Facebook has announced some partnerships with over 20 non-governmental organisations and government agencies across Africa with the aim of raising awareness of emerging online issues and helping to explore ways to make the internet safer for all.
The announcement was made today which is Safer Internet Day (SID). This year’s SID has the the theme “Create, connect and share respect: A better internet starts with you”.
Launching a series of initiatives, including a specially created family-friendly animation which directs viewers to the Parent Portal in the Facebook Safety Centre, parents and caregivers can access a variety of information and tips on how to discuss issues of online safety with teens, developed in partnership with safety experts from around the world.
Some of these resources include:
- The Facebook Safety Centre mobile friendly and available in over 50 languages, including step-by-step instructional videos –https://www.facebook.com/fbsaf
ety/?fref=ts - The Parent Portal – https://www.facebook.com/safet
y/parents - Local resources for parents, teachers and caregivers – https://www.facebook.com/safe
ty/resources - Bullying Prevention Hub with advice for teens, parents and educators looking for support and help for issues related to bullying – https://www.facebook.com/safe
ty/bullying - Practical advice in Online Wellbeing – https://www.facebook.com/saf
ety/wellbeing - Tools on how to control user experience – https://www.facebook.com/safet
y/tools
Commenting on Facebook’s work as part of Safer Internet Day, Akua Gyekye, Public Policy Manager Facebook, Africa said: “Every day, millions of people across Africa come to Facebook to talk about their special moments and to stay connected with the people they care about. We recognize the important role we play in creating a better and safer online community for all, with this year’s growing partnerships across the continent further demonstrating our ongoing commitment to supporting organisations that raise awareness on these important issues.”
This year in Africa, Facebook is working with partners such as: Rudi International, Internet Society – Uganda Chapter, Watoto Watch in Kenya, Malawi Internet Governance Forum, Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre in Nigeria, South Africa’s Film and Publication Board, JOXAfrica Association in Senegal,Tech Women Zimbabwe, as well as the J Initiative in Ghana to address the needs and ongoing education of various communities.
