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Tshireletso

Online Child Safety Initiative

Tshireletso Online Child Safety Initiative is a joint CyberM8, Department of Basic Education (DBE) and Agape Youth Movement (AYM) innovative programme dedicated to strengthening capacity for institutionalizing online child safety in the education sector.

It seeks to address the rising concerns over children’s safety on the internet, amidst increasing access to online platforms in South African schools. By providing targeted education on digital literacy, cyberbullying prevention, and responsible internet use, this initiative aims to equip both caregivers, school communities, and children with the tools needed to navigate online risks and ensure a safer online environment for all.

This initiative seeks to support of the implementation following national policies:

  • National Child Care and Protection Policy
  • Cybercrimes and Cybersecurity Bill
  • National School Safety Framework (NSSF)
  • Guidelines on E-Safety in Schools

Aims and Objectives

  • Virtual capacity building for children, parents, educators and policy makers on the concepts and measures for the promotion of online child safety
  • To strengthen peer education of online child safety through existing learner structures such as a Representative Council of Learners (RCL), Junior Commissioner Programme, and Girls and Boys Education Movements (GBEMs).
  • To provide technical support to the national government departments (e.g. DBE, DCDT, DSD) on strengthening policy frameworks to ensure child online safety.
  • To establish a nation-wide online child safety awareness campaign through both traditional and digital media.

Programme Partners

Department of Basic Education (DBE): As a key enabler, DBE ensures the integration of Online Child Safety into the national Life Orientation curriculum, facilitates educator training, provides access to schools, and advocates for policies that promote digital safety. Through its infrastructure and influence, DBE amplifies the reach and impact of the initiative, creating a safer digital environment for South African learners.

CyberM8: As a leading topic expert, CyberM8 focuses on Online Child Safety as one of its core pillars, developing innovative, culturally relevant content to educate and empower South African youth to navigate the digital world securely.

Agape Youth Movement (AYM): A trusted resource to the education sector, AYM delivers impactful programmes on a wide range of topics, including Online Child Safety, equipping learners and educators with essential skills and knowledge for holistic development.

Together, DBE, CyberM8 and AYM amplify the reach and impact of online safety initiatives, ensuring South Africa’s youth are informed, protected, and prepared for the digital age.