Since last year’s sponsorship of digital safety training for educators at iWeek 2016, the safety of South Africa’s youth on the web continues to be of great concern with one commentator stating, “The situation is worsening.”
“While young people are protected by legislation to some extent, it is difficult to enforce local laws in cyberspace. It’s much more effective to equip our educators with the appropriate knowledge so they can serve as gatekeepers to South Africa’s youth,” says Ilonka Badenhorst, WASPA GM.
Exposure to harmful content and security vulnerability through the disclosure of personal information are the two areas of greatest concern to South African parents, educators and the authorities, which is not misplaced.
According to last year’s ‘We are Social’ digital report, the average South African spends just under five hours a day online with WhatsApp, Facebook and Facebook Messenger being the most popular platforms amongst the youth.
The ISPA SuperTeacher competition is a welcome highlight of the annual iWeek conference and exhibition. It recognises that ICT is a powerful tool in the hands of properly equipped educators who also have a passion for sharing new technology with their communities.
WASPA’s presentation of mobile safety training to educators comes amid growing parental and educator concern over inappropriate and potentially damaging digital communication by learners.
For more information, go to www.iweek.org.za.
