MP urges parents to join war against cyberbullying

National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo addresses the Press at Prof Karega Mutai Secondary School in Mfangano Island after the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of Suba West Sub-county headquarters in Sena village, on January 12, 2025. [James Omoro, Standard]

National Assembly Minority Whip Odhiambo has challenged parents to take the lead in the fight against cyberbullying and misuse of social media by their children.

Ms Odhiambo said it was wrong for the youth to use the social media platforms to insult leaders.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for Suba West Sub-county headquarters at Sena, the Suba North MP urged parents to help stop the trend.

Odhiambo who later distributed bursaries at Prof Karega Mutai Secondary School in Mfangano Island said the youth need proper sensitisation on how they should use social media.

She regretted that most youth use social media to engage in character assassination of leaders.

The MP who was accompanied by Suba West Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Samson Akach, revealed that some young men had sent her their nudes.

“Imagine at my age and stature, some young men send me their nudes and make obscene comments to seek my attention. This is wrong,” she said.

“Locally, our DCC was recently insulted by the youth through social media and they have insulted many leaders too,” she added.

Odhiambo told parents to educate their children on responsible use of social media.

She argued that unless the youth change their behaviour, cases of cybercrime will escalate in the country and they will be the losers.

“We have a very difficult generation of young people. Let parents talk to them about what they should not do in social media spaces. I urge fellow leaders to also sensitize them on appropriate use of social media platforms,” Odhiambo said.

The MPs said she does not support abductions and any form of human rights violation, however, youth must use social media in the appropriate way.

“I don’t support abduction of young people and anything that violates human rights. But they must change their behaviour,” she said.

Odhiambo urged the youth to stop abusing their privilege of access to leaders.

“During our time, it was difficult to access leaders, but today youth have that access through the digital technology. Let them avoid abusing that opportunity,” she said.

The MP announced that construction of the new sub-county headquarters funded by the Suba North NGCDF at Sh150m will improve access to government services in the area.

“We want our people to avoid crossing Lake Victoria for government services. Construction of the headquarters will save the islanders their resources spent on seeking government services in Mbita town, situated several kilometers away on the mainland,” Odhiambo said.