Child Online Protection in Africa: Implementing an Evidence-led Policy and 5-Year Plan in Rwanda and Beyond

• In Event: Lightning Talk: Harnessing Education Strategies to Safeguard Youth from Cybercrime & Online Victimization in New & Emerging Technologies

Abstract

As children go online, strategies must be developed to make sure that their online interactions are safeguarded, and awareness raising campaigns and educational resources are crucial. Research, led by Professor Davidson, addressed major social issues and has driven, influenced and improved national and international policy, industry, and practice. The child online protection policy and plan were adopted in 2019 by the Rwandan government. A national awareness raising campaign was designed to be rolled out through community networks and schools in 2019. The project also included the design of a COP educational module, that was incorporated into the University of Rwanda (UoR) undergraduate community programme from 2020, ensuring that all undergraduate students trained at the university will have awareness of COP issues. The work is being continued in a newly formed Youth Safeguarding Network in Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Zambia and South Africa funded through the Global Challenges Research Fund, and there are plans to continue this work in collaboration with new African partners.

Author

• Julia Davidson, University of East London