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Abstract:
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The internet has become an essential resource for social interaction among
children, but it brings with it both advantages and disadvantages that depend
in part on how it is used. This study, which is anchored in social learning
theory, employed a desktop review of existing literature that focused on Kenya
but covered global and other regional levels as well. The study found a number
of benefits of the internet for children: updating family and friends on new
developments in the children’s lives, reviewing photos and other records of
past events, engaging in online interactions, and increasing their capacity for
learning. Nonetheless, there are also internet-specific risks, such as access to
inappropriate content and unsafe interactions with other children or adults.
Other risks include “digital kidnapping” and contact with perpetrators who
encourage children to engage in sexual activity. Although some countries have
policies on internet usage, few have specific policies or guidelines addressing
children’s vulnerability when sharing their pictures online. Moreover, most
such policies are not applied in practice, especially in African countries. The
study recommends developing and implementing policy frameworks to protect
children online and using privacy settings to protect their information. |