Facebook plans to make Africa net safer

Facebook yesterday announced its plans to create partnerships across Africa in a bid to create a safer internet.

“Under the connected theme of ‘Create, connect and share respect: A better internet starts with you’, Facebook announced a number of partnerships across Africa with over 20 nongovernmental organisations and government agencies – with the aim of raising awareness of emerging online issues and helping to explore ways to make the internet safer for all,” it said in a statement.

A series of initiatives will be launched, including a specially created family-friendly animation, which directs viewers to the parental portal in the Facebook Safety Centre, where parents and caregivers can access information and tips on online safety with teens.

These resources include The Facebook Safety Centre – mobile-friendly and available in over 50 languages, including step-by-step instructional videos –and resources for parents, teachers and caregivers.

Commenting on Facebook’s work as part of Safer Internet Day, Akua Gyekye, public policy manager for Facebook Africa said: “Every day, millions of people across Africa come to Facebook to talk about their special moments and to stay connected with the people they care about. We recognise the important role we play in creating a better and safer online community for all. And with this year’s growing partnerships across the continent, we further demonstrate our ongoing commitment to supporting organisations that raise awareness on these important issues.”

Facebook said it was working with partners such as Rudi International, Internet Society – Uganda Chapter and Watoto Watch in Kenya.

“In connection with the theme ‘Create, connect and share respect’, our focus this year is on cyberbullying,” said Lillian Kariuki, executive director at Watoto Watch. “We’re working with Facebook to share messages that encourage positivity and respect on social media.

“On Safer Internet Day we will also be sharing Facebook’s newly translated [Swahili] online safety content directly to the children and ICT partners in Kenya.”

Another partner, JI Initiative in Ghana, said its main priority was to ensure digital citizens, especially children and young people, were responsible in their use of the space.

“Resources and materials provided by Facebook as a partner help to empower our audience in Ghana on how to make the internet better,” said Awo Aidam Amenyah, executive director.

“We will continue to work hard in educating people to become good digital citizens.” – ANA