AS THE world becomes more digital and sophisticated, so does crime.
The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) indicates that 80.7 percent of Zambians own a mobile phone. This is shown in the 2022 National Survey on Access and Usage of Information, Communications and Technologies (ICTs).
The report indicates that mobile phone ownership per household in Zambia went to 80.7 percent in 2022, from 73.6 percent in 2018, representing a 7.1 percent increase. ZICTA manager for corporate communications Hanford Chaaba notes that sadly, even children as young as 5 years old have access to mobile phones, unmonitored. “Our surveys from 2013, show that parents give their children smart phones to watch cartoons, but what they don’t know is that these children are sharp.
Once parents leave them, they navigate and go elsewhere,” he said. Mr Chaaba states that youths, who are mostly online, also need to be kept safe from harm on the digital space. He notes that while players like the Zambia Police can help bring perpetrators to book, this becomes difficult on the internet, as it goes beyond physical borders. Thus, he has urged parents to take a keen interest in what their children are doing on online platforms. Dangers that children and youths can fall prey to on the internet when unmonitored include trafficking. “If a child has been trafficked, parents or guardians can call Child Line on 116 (toll free) to report the matter. Other dangers include cyberbullying, exposure to misleading information, potential scams, and inappropriate content.
This can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
However, Mr Chaaba assures that ZICTA is not sitting idle, but is conducting mass sensitisation across the country. “We have targeted 90 districts across the country in 2024. One of the things we are sensitising them about include child online protection. We are advising parents to take the lead in protecting their children, as selfregulation is the most effective method,” said Mr Chaaba.