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By Lukman Olabiyi
Internet safety advocate and founder of the International Centre for Leadership Development Nigeria (ICLDN), Mr. Felix Iziomoh, has called for collaboration among stakeholders and government to create more awareness about safety in cyberspace as well as protect students from online abuses.
Iziomoh made the call at an event organized by ICLDN, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, to commemorate this year’s Safer Internet Day.
The event, tagged Safer Internet Day, which is celebrated globally every year, had the backing of the state’s Ministry of Education, District IV, Sabo, and the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, and is meant to counsel and educate youths about how to stay safe online.
Speaking on the importance of creating awareness of safety in cyberspace among the youths, Iziomoh said children spend more time online than ever before and it offers limitless opportunities, which come with serious risks.
He said: “Today marks the 20th edition of the annual Safer Internet Day (SID) organized by the joint Insafe/INHOPE network of Safer Internet Centres in Europe, with the support of the European Commission to promote positive use of digital technology, especially among children and young persons. Each year on Safer Internet Day, millions of people unite to inspire positive changes online, raise awareness of online safety issues, and participate in activities across the globe, and we are proud to be able to host it today.
“As always, SID aims to create both a safer and a better Internet, where everyone is empowered to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. The campaign aims to reach out to children and young people, parents, teachers, educators, and social workers, as well as industry, decision-makers, and politicians, to encourage everyone to play their part in creating a better Internet.
“Without safety in cyberspace, cyberbullying, and other forms of peer-to-peer violence can affect young people each time they log into social media or instant messaging platforms. When browsing the Internet, children may be exposed to hate speech, and violent content, including messages that incite self-harm and even suicide.
“So, therefore, everyone has a responsibility to make a difference online. We can all promote a positive impact by creating a better internet and promoting positive content, and safe services online, and by empowering users to respond to any issues by providing clear safety advice, a range of easy-to-use safety tools, and quick access to support if things go wrong”.
Others speakers at the event also reiterated the need for collaboration among stakeholders, and government to create awareness of safety in cyberspace.
Students were counseled, and trained on how to use cyberspace positively, and also how to avoid any form of danger while on it. Students, teachers, and parents attended the event from Lagos Mainland.
While lectures, counseling, security, and information technology experts offered networking and training. Certificates were presented to the participants.
