FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO-Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera has called on parents and guardians to actively monitor children’s online activities following the approval of the Zimbabwe National Child Online Protection Policy (2026–2030), as government intensifies efforts to safeguard children in the digital environment.
Mavetera made the remarks on Thursday during the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day commemorations held at Nemanwa grounds.
The call comes after the Cabinet approved the Child Online Protection Policy on 2 June 2026, a comprehensive framework aimed at protecting children from online risks while ensuring they safely benefit from digital technologies.
Speaking at the commemorations, Mavetera said parents and guardians must take a leading role in guiding children’s use of digital platforms and protecting them from harmful online content.
“Children should not be using the internet to access pornographic content. Instead, they must be guided to use it responsibly for learning, research and to bridge the digital divide,” she said.
She emphasised that digital safety begins at household level, urging parents and guardians to take responsibility for their children’s online behaviour.
“Every parent and guardian should know what their child is doing on the phone. We must monitor them, guide them and ensure they use technology in a safe and productive way,” said Mavetera.
“By 2030, every place and every citizen should be digitally active as government works to bridge the digital divide while at the same time ensuring the protection of children in online spaces,” she added.
The policy introduces a coordinated national approach involving government, the private sector, academia and communities and is aligned with the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Children’s Act.
It is anchored on nine key strategic focus areas including institutional capacity, legal and regulatory reforms, prevention and response mechanisms, technical controls and corporate responsibility, education, public awareness, research and development, global cooperation, and monitoring and evaluation.
The framework seeks to address rising concerns over online sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, grooming, sextortion, harmful content and privacy violations affecting children while promoting safe and responsible use of the internet.
