Vodacom has launched a platform that will provide parents with tools for building safe digital homes.
There’s no denying that number of children interact with technology every day from early years. In order to maintain a safe online community where kids can safely use their gadgets parents also need to play their roles.
In a study by the Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention in South Africa, almost half of parents reported having never had any guidance on how to support or mediate their children’s internet use, despite having a deep concern for their children’s wellbeing online. In addition, the research revealed that 48% of children said that they never or hardly ever spoke to their parents about their online activity.
Instead of stopping children from participating in the ever evolving digital world it is better to practice safety and communicate on what may be inappropriate and what to do in the case where a child is bullied online or how to identify online predators.
Melanie Forbes, Managing Executive for Consumer Marketing Insights and Research at Vodacom issued a statement and said:
“Vodacom is helping families be more connected than ever, however, just as we guide our children in the real world, we need to help them to manage the digital world too. Digi-Parenting is an important resource with practical tips and solutions to help parents feel more confident when it comes to getting involved in their children’s digital world. As a brand that cares, Vodacom aims to be a guiding light for families to use technology positively in the home while having peace of mind that their children are safe online.”
Vodacom will host webinars that will issue guidelines for both toddlers and teenagers and how to handle both age groups. The network also revealed that they will be launching a a Digi-Parenting website and a Digi-Parenting digital magazine in the near future.
The first webinar about toddlers was on hosted on the 6th of March and the second one will be about preteens and teenagers which will be hosted on the 13th of March 2021 at 11am. The webinars will have parenting experts on the digital world and the impact it has on children.