Protecting children online is a global challenge. In Ghana, there is a growing concern among many parents, government, teachers, journalists, child rights advocates and corporate organisations on the issue.

In this regard, telecom operator Tigo in partnership with J Initiative (JI), a youth-focused non-governmental organisation in Ghana, have committed to protecting children online through policy advocacy, awareness creation, public education and community engagement initiatives.

One of such events is a day’s training workshop for over 80 teachers which was organized in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) under the theme: “Norms of Appropriate and Responsible Technology Use”.

The training introduced participants to digital tools and their ethical use; maintaining a safe online relationship and cyber bullying, among others. The teachers, all with backgrounds in Information Communication Technology (ICT), were drawn from both the public and private basic schools in 16 districts in the Greater Accra region.

The training forms part of series of activities by Tigo and JI to raise awareness on the importance of Child Online Protection (COP). The Head of Corporate Affairs, Gifty Bingley, says Tigo is committed to playing a leading role in encouraging other players in the telecommunications industry in Ghana to actively join up and keep children safe online.

“To be able to play the ‘change makers role in your various communities, please take what you learn seriously so you can educate parents who are not well informed to handle child online issues,” the National Examination & Community Participation Coordinator from the Basic Education Division of Ghana Education Service (GES), Richard Ayitey, told the participants at the workshop.

The Executive Director of J Initiative (JI), Awo Aidam Amenyah, also explained it is important teachers understand how the whole ecosystem works and how they could contribute to safer internet for children.

She added that though there is lack of measures to protect children online in the country, teachers could help educate, equip and empower children to be more cautious.  

With support from Tigo, she said JI will continue to encourage children and young people to use Information Communication Technology (ICT) positively and protect them from being exploited online.