Multi-partner initiative increases awareness on Safer Internet Day

The Film and Publication Board (FPB), the Hawks, Facebook, Unisa, Google SA and Media Monitoring Africa will engage citizens in Mafikeng in the North West province. The collaboration will see organisations raise awareness on cyber safety issues, particularly amongst youth and join forces to combat piracy of counterfeit DVDs.

“Each year the FPB partners with key organisations as part of its awareness-raising efforts to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people. This year we are excited and pleased to have the Hawks, Facebook and Unisa on board for the first time. These are critical partners and with Facebook being a popular social media platform with youth, we can continue to educate young people, parents and community members effectively about responsible online behaviour.

“Coupled with this, we will also be hosting a Walkathon around the Mafikeng community to mobilise community members and implore them to join the FPB and partners in ensuring a safer internet for all,” says Jane Raftopoulos, manager communications and public education at the FPB.

The FPB chairs the SID Committee in South Africa, where we will be one of over 100 countries worldwide marking the day with various activities. An added element this year will be the combating of piracy with the Hawks.

“Through collaborations with the FPB, we aim to combat piracy across the country,” says major-general Linda Mbana of the Hawks. “In 2016, we invited the FPB’s Compliance Monitoring Unit to a joint operation in Mafikeng to enforce compliance. This resulted in seven cases being opened with seven people arrested for contravening the Films and Publications Act and 1,326 DVDs confiscated, with a street value of R132,000. We are looking forward to working with the FPB in other provinces to conduct anti piracy exercise and to educate communities about the need for them to be responsible and not purchase illegal content that is distributed physically or online.”

FPB’s research shows that digital streams of media distribution and consumption are gaining popularity in South Africa. Internet access is itself a driver of these trends, which is also available through mobile devices including smartphones. Findings of research conducted by the FPB in Mafikeng showed that 51% of the population has access to the internet. In other research conducted in four provinces, including Mafikeng, findings showed that the rate of availability of smartphone’s amongst learners is 90%. Therefore, vigilance is critical by parents, teachers and guardians and they must monitor internet usage by youth in their care.

For more information, go to www.saferinternetday.org.