Deputy Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Lucia Witbooi said although digital technology has transformed lives, enhanced opportunities and chances for children across the globe, a safer internet must be promoted at all times. Witbooi was speaking at the celebration of the world safer internet day held at Keetmanshoop, on Tuesday, under the theme ‘Together for a better internet’. The internet, she said, has been an amazing invention that has undoubtedly change the world in more ways but not all those ways have been positive. “So much of our private lives and information get transferred over the internet, therefore this day reminds us to protect ourselves from the danger and make the internet a little safer for everyone,” said Witbooi. The deputy minister noted that information and communication technologies open up the realm of opportunities and could be a game-changer for children by connecting them to a world of opportunities and providing them with the skills they need to succeed in the fourth revolution. However, at the same time, the internet exposes children to cyber-bullying and sexual abuse and exploitation, she pointed out. ‘It is therefore imperative for everyone to play their role in creating and ensuring a safer and better internet,” Witbooi said while urging children and young people to help create a better internet by being kind and respectful to others online. The deputy minister further called on them to stop sharing personal information that can make them vulnerable to online predators, saying parents and caregivers must empower and support children to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. Teachers and social workers, the deputy minister further said should equip learners with digital skills to create a better internet and for learners to develop critical thinking skills which will allow them to navigate the online world. ‘We as decision-makers should ensure that there are opportunities in the curriculum for children to learn about online safety and that parents and caregivers have access to appropriate information and sources of support and that the industry is encouraged to self-regulate their content and services,’ urged the deputy minister. The day is celebrated in more than 150 countries worldwide, since 2012. -NAMPA