Digital literacy education in schools can help to protect children online

Safaricom Sustainable Business and Social Impact Director Karen Basiye (right) presents graduation honours to Mercy Wanjiru at the Kibondeni College of Hospitality in Nairobi during the college's 53rd graduation ceremony in Nairobi. [Courtesy]

We live in an era where children can skilfully operate smartphones and tablets even before they can walk, proving that our children are growing up in a digital environment unlike any other. Indeed, with each passing year, technology's impact on their life grows more powerful, and as parents and educators, we must face a harsh reality: The internet world is both their playground and battleground.

Admittedly, the Internet is an extraordinary resource, offering our children numerous opportunities for learning, communication, and creativity. However, it has also resulted in a worrying rise in internet threats that our children experience on a daily basis, including cyberbullying, online harassment, the spread of misinformation, and concerns regarding privacy.