Safer Internet Day: Youth Take the Lead on Online Safety
U-Report: Amplifying Youth Voices for Digital Security
UNICEF Ghana joined the global community in celebrating Safer Internet Day, an important day to promote a safer and more secure online environment for all users, with a special focus on protecting young people.
This year's theme, "Together for a Better Internet", focuses on the need for collective action to create a safer and more inclusive online space for everyone, especially children and young people.
UNICEF Ghana engaged over 100 young people and students from the University of Media Arts and Communication through U-Report, creating a platform for young people to share their opinions and issues affecting them online as well as learn from others.
Precious Ofori, a U-Reporter and a level 300 student at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), welcomed the young people and provided insights about the significance of today's gathering.
Amiya Dhara Halder, UNICEF (HQ) Digital Communication Officer, introduced U-Report and how young people can join. She also shared the latest poll results on internet safety from the U-Report platform. U-Report is UNICEF's digital community for young people, where they can raise their voices and share their opinions on issues that matter to them.
During the activation, over 200 U-Reporters participated in a poll about their online experiences. Among the respondents:
- 74% expressed confidence in their knowledge of safe internet use.
- 48% reported experiencing online abuse, with 64% of these incidents occurring on social media.
- 57% of respondents said this abuse affected them emotionally.
- 27% noted it impacted them emotionally, physically, and in their academic or work performance.
This was followed by a panel discussion on internet safety with students and officials from UNICEF Ghana, Ghana Cyber Security Authority, and AT Ghana (a telecommunication company in Ghana), moderated by Amiya from the UNICEF HQ Communication team.
“Young people should learn more about digital literacy, beware of their social media footprints and to avoid clickbait.”
“I have experienced fraud situations, and I am advising young people to be careful about strange callers asking for vital information from them.”
“I would advise young people should post relevant things on social media instead of misusing social media and posting personal information to feed attackers with information.”
“The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) have made progress in Ghana’s online space, especially for young people, with the support of UNICEF and partners. Also, we help take down and solve online sexual abuse towards children. Young people should always report any abuse online via 292 via text or call.”
“AT Ghana is working on safe online initiatives for young people and collaborating with various institutions, including the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, to ensure young people are safe online.”
“UNICEF together with partners – Cyber Security Authority, Ghana Police Service, Telecommunication campaniess, etc., have made huge progress on child online safety in Ghana. Ghana's first Child Protection Digital Forensic Lab was established to help prevent and respond to online child exploitation. UNICEF supported the enactment of the Cybersecurity Act 2020 to tackle online issues like child exploitation and cybercrime. Key initiatives include enhancing the cyber tip line for anonymous reporting and implementing notice-and-takedown procedures requiring online service providers to remove illegal content upon formal request.”
With support from Safe Online, UNICEF Ghana is creating a safer digital environment for children in Ghana, empowering communities with knowledge and providing resources to combat online abuse and exploitation. Learn more about Safe Online in Ghana.
Become a U-Reporter today by sending 'JOIN' to 1755; “JOIN” to @URepGhana on Facebook Messenger and “JOIN” to +233 596 913 175, U-Report WhatsApp number, and be part of the change! Your voice matters!
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