The Ghana Internet Safety Foundation (GISF) marked Safer Internet Day 2025 with a call for collective action to create a safer online environment for Ghanaian children. This year’s theme, “Together for a Better Internet,” underscores the critical need for collaborative efforts involving government agencies, educational institutions, families, and the private sector to address the growing challenges children face in the digital landscape. The celebration served as a platform to highlight both the progress made and the significant work that remains to ensure children’s online safety in Ghana.
A major achievement in Ghana’s pursuit of child online safety is the launch of the Child Online Protection (COP) Framework in 2024. Developed under the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization, in collaboration with the Cybersecurity Authority, UNICEF Ghana, UNESCO, and other stakeholders, the COP Framework provides a strategic roadmap based on the WeProtect Global Framework. This initiative aims to mitigate online risks, promote safe online practices, and protect children from various forms of online harm. The framework signifies a significant step forward in establishing a structured approach to child online protection in the country.
Despite this positive development, the prevalence of online child abuse in Ghana remains alarmingly high. Over 22,000 cases, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM), cyberbullying, and financial sextortion, have been documented in the past few years. These statistics highlight the urgency of strengthening protective measures and ensuring the effective implementation of the COP Framework across all communities. The stark reality of these figures emphasizes that the framework, while a significant milestone, is only the beginning of a broader effort requiring sustained commitment and resources.
GISF’s call to action centers on mobilizing all stakeholders to play their part in safeguarding children’s online experiences. Parents and caregivers are urged to foster open communication with children, encouraging them to share their online experiences without fear of judgment. Equipping themselves with digital literacy skills is essential for parents and caregivers to provide effective guidance and support. This includes understanding the online platforms children use, the potential risks they face, and strategies for open and honest communication about online safety. It also involves establishing clear boundaries and expectations for online behavior.
The government’s role in implementing the COP Framework fully and ensuring its reach across all communities is paramount. This includes allocating adequate resources for enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and educational initiatives. Establishing specialized judicial units equipped to handle CSAM cases effectively is crucial for bringing perpetrators to justice and deterring future offenses. The government’s commitment to enforcing the framework and providing necessary resources will be crucial to translating policy into tangible improvements in children’s online safety.
Educators and schools must integrate online safety education into the curriculum. By providing children with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world safely, they can empower them to make informed decisions and identify potential threats. Industry leaders and civil society organizations have a responsibility to develop innovative solutions to combat online child exploitation and contribute to ongoing awareness campaigns. This collective effort, encompassing education, awareness, and the development of innovative protective measures, is essential for creating a truly safer digital space for children.
Furthermore, strengthening partnerships and collaborations is vital for a multi-pronged approach to child online safety. GISF reiterates its commitment to working hand-in-hand with all stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility in creating a safer digital environment. The call to action extends to promoting open communication, fostering digital literacy among parents and caregivers, empowering children with online safety education, and supporting the government’s efforts to implement the COP Framework effectively.
The emphasis on a collaborative approach underscores the understanding that no single entity can address the complexities of online safety alone. Parents, educators, government agencies, industry leaders, and civil society organizations all have crucial roles to play in creating a safer digital landscape for children. By working together, sharing knowledge and resources, and adopting a proactive approach, Ghana can build a more protective online environment that allows children to explore the digital world confidently and safely.
GISF’s advocacy for child online protection goes beyond Safer Internet Day. The organization remains dedicated to its mission throughout the year, engaging in partnerships, public education initiatives, and ongoing advocacy to promote a safer internet for all Ghanaian children. Their continued efforts, combined with the collective action of all stakeholders, are crucial for translating the goals of Safer Internet Day into a lasting commitment to child online safety. The message of shared responsibility and the importance of continued vigilance in protecting children in the digital space resonates as a key takeaway from the 2025 Safer Internet Day observance.
The ultimate goal is to empower children to harness the benefits of the digital world while mitigating the risks. This requires a comprehensive approach that addresses prevention, education, support for victims, and the prosecution of offenders. The collective responsibility to create a safer, more inclusive internet for all Ghanaian children is not just a theme for a single day but a continuous commitment that requires ongoing attention, resources, and collaboration. Only through sustained effort and a shared dedication to this goal can a truly safe and empowering digital environment for children be realized.
The success of initiatives like the COP Framework hinges on the active participation of all stakeholders. Creating a culture of online safety requires not only strong policies and frameworks but also a shift in mindset and behavior at the individual, family, and community levels. Open communication, responsible digital citizenship, and a commitment to reporting online abuse are all essential components of a comprehensive approach to child online safety. Safer Internet Day serves as an annual reminder of the importance of this collective responsibility and the ongoing need to prioritize the well-being of children in the digital space.
GISF’s focus on empowering children to navigate the digital world confidently while ensuring their safety reinforces the idea that online safety is not about restricting access to the internet but about equipping children with the tools and knowledge they need to use it safely and responsibly. This approach empowers children to become active participants in their own online safety, fostering a sense of agency and responsibility in the digital realm. It also fosters a positive view of technology, recognizing its potential for learning, creativity, and connection while emphasizing the importance of safe and responsible usage.
The commitment to a better internet for every child in Ghana reflects a broader global movement towards creating a safer and more inclusive digital environment. As technology continues to evolve, the challenges and opportunities related to online safety will also change. Therefore, the commitment to child online protection must be an ongoing process of adaptation, innovation, and collaboration to ensure that children are safeguarded in the ever-evolving digital landscape. This requires a proactive and dynamic approach, constantly evaluating and adjusting strategies to address emerging threats and harness new technologies for the benefit of child online safety.
