The Information and Communications Technology Association of Zambia – ICTAZ has disclosed to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT – that the trend which the country is witnessing of violent, sexual and hateful incidences may be resulting from un-controlled and un-monitored usage of the internet and smart phones which have detrimental and long term negative effects on Children.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times –ZBT, ICTAZ President Clement Sinyangwe said being exposed to inappropriate content on the internet at a tender age is not good for the little ones as the internet contains uncontrolled mind corrupting content that may in the end affect their morality.
Sinyangwe said Children are inquisitive by nature and exposing them to the inappropriate content by unrestricted or uncontrolled use of the internet make them vulnerable to illicit online activities that include frauds, perverted sexual content and scams. Due to their inquisitive nature, uncontrolled access will lead children to further explore and try out what they are exposed to.
The ICTAZ President said parents have the huge role to play in ensuring that they monitor what their kids are doing on the smart phones , tablets and other electronic devices given to them that have internet or external communication access.
He noted that most parents are fond of giving their kids smart phones with internet access at a tender age and also giving them the unregulated internet which he termed to not good idea. This practice should be avoided and if it is to be done, then it has to be controlled by linking the kid’s devices to the parents so that they are alert on what their kids do or are doing.
“Ensure that you monitor your child’s social media use and be aware of the types of websites they are visiting and the games they are playing online. Set up parental controls on computers, smartphones, and tablets to block inappropriate websites and apps.” He urged parents and guardians.
Sinyangwe stated that a long time ago, People could have used the internet to share positive and educative stuff instead of sharing dark internet content which has a harmful impact on the psychology, especially on kids. He also appealed to the general citizenry to be responsible in the way they use these platforms as they are laws towards the practice.
Some parents resort to giving their children or wards smart phones for various reasons such as due to their busy schedules and to keep their children engaged but this is only exposing them to accessing dark internet content which in the end is resulting in some of the violent crimes, suicides and harmful psychological effects.
