The other day, during a community discussion about empowering rural children with digital literacy, a question stood out: “Are we not going to create computer nerds?” This Safer Internet Day 2025 (11th February), this question prompts us to reflect on a broader and more profound responsibility. As a society that has increasingly shifted the intellectual, social, emotional, and psychological upbringing of children and youth to the internet, it’s time we take a moment to assess: How is the content our children—whether 3 or 14 years old—regularly encounter online affecting their overall well-being?
This year, we join hands with the global movement to create a safer and more positive online world. The internet is undeniably becoming an even more integral part of education, work, and social life. Recognizing this, it is essential that we empower young people to navigate it safely, equipping them not just with digital skills but also with the awareness to make informed and responsible choices online.
As Rising Capacities for Children Africa (RICCA), we are acutely aware of the risks that come with an increasingly connected world. Cyberbullying, online predators, digital footprints, child online grooming, risks associated with online gaming, misuse of AI, and exposure to age-inappropriate content are just a few of the challenges our children face. Particularly concerning is the rise of sexual exploitation and abuse, a trend that becomes even more worrying with the rapidly expanding internet landscape in countries like Kenya.
We believe the solution is not in restricting access but in empowering children and young people to understand and mitigate these risks. Through our programs, we aim to:
- Raise Awareness: Educating children, parents, and educators about online risks and how to safeguard against them.
- Promote Responsible Use: Teaching young people about digital footprints, privacy, and ethical online behavior.
- Support Safe Spaces: Collaborating with schools and communities to create secure digital learning environments.
- Engage in Advocacy: Partnering with other stakeholders to advocate for stronger policies that protect children online.
As we celebrate Safer Internet Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that rural children, often the last to access digital opportunities, are equipped with not just technical skills but the awareness to thrive in a digital world. The internet is an incredible tool, one that can inspire, educate, and connect. But it must be a safe tool, used responsibly thus empowered users.
Let this day be a reminder of the collective effort needed to ensure the online world is one where everyone including children feel safe.