The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) has officially launched an online game dubbed ‘Cyber Soldjas’ to promote a safer online platform for children.
Speaking at a Nairobi hotel, Tuesday, CAK Director of Legal Services, Mercy Wanjau, said that the online game targets children aged between 4 to 14 years old, adding that the children within this age group will have a better experience through action and repetition, best delivered through games.
“The game is aimed at guiding children through a maze of potential dangers online and also teaching them how to protect their identity, personal data, recognize sites containing harmful content and finally develop a critical approach towards information found on the internet,” said Wanjau.
The Director added that the game has five levels based on vulnerabilities and risks on the internet, including cybercrime, identity theft, fake news and catfishing.
She, however, noted that increased access to the internet and digital technology also brings out significant challenges to children and the youth including their safety.
“Impacts range from threats to protection of personal data, cyber bullying, harmful online content, grooming for sexual purposes and exploitation,” said Wanjau.
The online game will complement other previous initiatives such as Child Online Protection (COP) to create a safer cyberspace for children.
The Authority has adopted a multi stakeholder approach to ensure that children and future generations are protected and empowered to thrive in digital environments.
The Director of Women in Technology at Huawei – Kenya, Maureen Mwaniki, said that the private sector has an important role in ensuring a safer internet.
“We are committed to work with partners from CAK, the Government and other stakeholders to provide digital skills at a large scale,” she added.
Mwaniki noted that the device manufacturer from Huawei also has a specific software and hardware for children that ensures they can access the internet safely.
“We are also providing digital skills training programs that incorporate online safety for example, the DigiTruck that targets the under-served youth in rural communities, teaching online safety everyday with other partners,” said Mwaniki.
The launch comes as the world celebrates, The Safer Internet Day, which began as an initiative of the European Union Safe Borders Project in 2004.
By Hannah Njoki and Manu Mumba
