By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
The Eswatini Communications
Commission, in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Ministry of Education and Training,
has equipped Guidance and Counselling teachers with practical skills to promote
child online safety and respond to cyberbullying in schools.
The specialised training
focused on identifying online risks, responding to cyberbullying, child
protection procedures, reporting and referral pathways, and developing
school-based intervention plans.
During the opening session,
Senior Guidance Officer Dumsile Masuku highlighted the need to balance the
opportunities technology offers children with the responsibility to protect
them from online exploitation, privacy violations and other digital risks.
She encouraged educators to
make use of the recently introduced Child Online Protection Guidelines to
strengthen safety measures in schools.
Participants also received
guidance from Bagunini Nxumalo of the Deputy Prime Minister's Office on
reporting child-related crimes and following established referral mechanisms.
At the close of the
programme, Assistant Director of Cybersecurity, Nokuthula Hlophe, encouraged
teachers to apply the knowledge gained and work with the Commission's
Cybersecurity Team to strengthen child protection initiatives in schools.
Through the partnership, the
Commission said it was empowering educators to create safer digital learning
environments and ensure that children can learn, connect and thrive online
without fear of harm.
