Members of civil society, the private and public sectors have united to promote safety on the Web for young Africans.

120 learners from six schools in South Africa's North West province are taking part in activities organised by Facebook Africa, Google SA, University of South Africa, the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services, as well as the country's content regulator The Film and Publication Board (FPB) under the theme 'Be the change: Unite for a better Internet'.

Janine Raftopoulos, Manager of Communications and Public Education at the FPB says the ability to bring in additional partners is a notable achievement for this years SID event.

"Each year the FPB partners with key organisations as part of its awareness-raising efforts to promote a safer Internet for all users, especially young people. This year we're excited to engage citizens in Mafikeng and are pleased to have the Hawks, Facebook, UNISA and the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services on board for the first time. These are critical partners and with Facebook being a very popular social media platform with youth, we can continue to effectively educate young people, parents and community members about responsible online behaviour."

The FPB says its research shows that digital streams of media distribution and consumption are gaining popularity in South Africa with internet access itself a driver of these trends through mobile devices.

According to findings by the regulator, 51% of the population in Mafikeng has access to the internet. It adds that further research conducted in four provinces in South Africa revealed that the rates of availability of smartphones amongst learners can reach up to 90%, meaning that vigilance by parents, teachers and guardians is critical.

Breaking down barriers

Akua Gyekye, Public Policy Manager Facebook, Africa, says,"Nothing is more important to us than the safety of the people who use Facebook. Every day people come to Facebook to connect with people and issues they care about, and they should be able to do so in a safe, secure environment,"

While FPB chairs the SID Committee in South Africa, facebook has planned events to promote online safety to students, teachers, parents and policymakers with more public sector agencies and non-governmental organisations across the continent.

Aretha Mare, Founder of Techwomen Zimbabwe, which is among Facebook's' SID partners, says as more Zimbabwean women and girls are going online to take advantage of the immense opportunities the internet offers and need to be kept safe when doing so.

"We are determined to break down barriers to the Internet for women and girls so they can maximise the benefits of the Internet - and that includes tackling challenges such as online harassment and bullying."

Facebook's Gyekye emphasises the value of a multistakeholder approach for safety on the internet.

"This is an opportunity to explore the role we all play in helping to create a better and safer online community. We are proud to work with young people, parents, carers, teachers, social workers, law enforcement, companies, and policymakers to create a better Internet."

SID has become a landmark event in the online safety calendar and is now celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide with all continents taking part.