Safer Internet Day: Obaseki cautions on abuse of social media, charges parents to monitor children’s online engagements

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has called for closer monitoring of children’s online engagements by parents and for circumspect use of social media by all, to avoid incidence of internet fraud, stalking and other ills that have trailed the emergence of new media technologies.

Governor Obaseki made this call on the occasion of the commemoration of the 2018 Safer Internet Day marked by the joint Insafe-INHOPE network, with the support of the European Commission, and spearheaded by internet advocacy groups in Europe and across the world.

According to Obaseki, “We cannot wish away the Internet, its gains and woes. That the world is melding into a global village brings up opportunities and challenges that throw up fresh ideas and threats alike. In all of these, it is important for anyone aiming to use the internet to be circumspect of the downside of the technology.

“That is why, on this day, I call on parents to monitor children’s internet engagement to safeguard them from the ills in the system. This does not remove from the many benefits that exist on the internet and the opportunity for self-development.”

He said that this year’s theme for the Safer Internet Day “Create, connect and share respect: a better internet starts with you,” speaks to the need for anyone transacting business or sharing memorable moments with friends and family on the Internet to exercise caution in the exchange to avoid falling prey to elements with ulterior motives.

Noting that the Internet has created opportunity for creativity and even jobs, he cautioned on “abuse of social media by younger persons and urged them to build themselves intellectually. They can also build their capacity by using the resources on the internet as well as sustain constructive engagements with their friends and colleagues.”

The Safer Internet Day is marked every February 6, 2018. This year’s celebration is a call to action for every stakeholder to play their part in creating a better internet for everyone, in particular the youngest users out there. Organised by the joint Insafe-INHOPE network, it is an invitation for everyone to join in and engage with others in a respectful way in order to ensure a better digital experience.

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