South African film authorities call for protection of children online
The Film and Publications Board (FPB), South Africa’s media content regulator, has urged parents to take an active role in monitoring their children's online activity as part of efforts to combat child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on the internet.
The call comes as the FPB intensifies its regulatory efforts, announcing plans to access and monitor parts of the dark web in a bid to curb the distribution of illegal and harmful content involving children.
Speaking at a recent event, FPB Acting CEO Ephraim Tlhako stressed the critical need for vigilance in the digital age.
“Sexual abuse perpetrated against children remains a growing concern, both in South Africa and globally,” the FPB said.
“We need to be aware, we need to be very vigilant on what our children are having access to. Because with that device that’s connected to the internet, that child is now communicating with millions and millions of strangers online,” SABC further quotes Tlhako
Tlhako noted that the online space poses unique and often more serious threats than the physical world. He emphasised that while government agencies are collaborating with departments such as Basic Education and Social Development, as well as with major social media platforms, parental involvement remains essential.
“Government can come up with a lot of legislation, but it’s still our responsibility as parents to ensure that we are doing our part,” he added.
Child rights advocacy groups have echoed the FPB’s call, urging the government to step up its child protection frameworks, including better enforcement of digital safety laws and more public education on cyber risks.
