Children, Youths Should Be Protected from ‘Wrong’ Internet Content, Says UCC Boss
The Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Eng. Godfrey Mutabaazi has called upon parents and other stakeholders in the ICT industry to ensure protection of children and youths from wrong content online that has exposed them to cyber bullying.
“It’s everybody’s responsibility to ensure that children are protected from harmful content. It takes a village 2 raise a child,” he said.
Eng. Mutabaazi was Tuesday morning giving opening remarks at the Safer Internet Day (SID2017) dialogue at UCC headquarters in Bugolobi, Kampala.
The Safer Internet Day is being celebrated globally with the theme “Be the change: unite for a better internet.” The day is aimed at sharing advice and joining social media campaigns to help inspire a better internet usage world over.
In Uganda, the day has been dedicated to discussions on how to make internet a safe place for young generations in the country.
Eng. Mutabaazi in his remarks pledged that the Commission would continue protecting children from wrong internet content calling on other members of the public to offer all the support they can.
“What happens in the online world is a reflection of society at large, the dangers children face online are mirrored in the challenges children face in their homes, schools and communities, lets unite for better internet,” he said.
He revealed that UCC handled over 200 cybercrimes in Uganda.
Mutabaazi said that the commission has established ICT laboratories which are equipped with student content urging schools to add filters in the gadgets that children are exposed to.
Ayub Golola, one of the Panelists however argued that internet safety can’t be handled only by using technology calling on parents to engage and guide their children on usage.
“Instead of adding firewalls, we need to sensitise people on the threats posed by the internet and how they can protect themselves from the threats,” said Ayub.
