In an effort to raise cybersecurity awareness among schoolchildren, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has begun preparing secondary school teachers to become online protection trainers.
The program comes as MACRA responds growing concerns about children's exposure to cyber risks.
This comes as experts warn that as Malawi's youth become more digitally literate and use cellphones and social media, cyberbullying, data theft, online frauds, and predator grooming will become more prevalent.
MACRA's Malawi Computer Emergency Response Team (mwCERT) held a one-day "train-the-trainer" event in Blantyre on Wednesday, bringing together more than 150 teachers from the Shire Highlands and South West Education Divisions.
The session focused on preparing instructors to advise kids in online safety, data protection, and and implementing school-based policies for child online protection.
Speaking at the event, mwCERT Head Christopher Banda highlighted the increased vulnerability of children in the world of technology.
“Children today are more connected than ever, and that increases their exposure to cyber threats,” Banda said. “Teachers are crucial partners in our fight against these threats because they not only teach computer studies but also serve as second parents to these learners.”
Banda stressed that while children are often more tech-savvy than adults, they lack the awareness to spot online dangers. He said MACRA is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to review and enhance the computer studies curriculum to include online safety modules.
The program will be extended to other institutions, including the University of Malawi, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Mzuzu University, and several private colleges.
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