Isiolo First Lady Habiba Galgalo has vowed to champion the rights of children in the digital environment.
Speaking in Isiolo, Galgalo pledged to put her best foot forward and work tirelessly to raise awareness for the well-being of children.
“Today, let us recommit ourselves to the cause of our children's rights, not only on this day but every day. Together, we can create a digital environment that nurtures our children's potential, protects their rights, and paves the way for a brighter future,” he said.
Galgalo was speaking during the commemoration of the Day of the African Child in Isiolo themed 'Rights of the Child in the Digital Environment'.
The day, according to the first lady, holds great significance as leaders come together to celebrate the rights of children who are the potential of the future
"The theme for this year's celebration highlights a critical aspect of our children's lives in the 21st century. As technology rapidly advances and the digital world becomes an integral part of our daily existence, it is our duty to ensure that our children are protected and empowered,” Galgalo noted.
According to the first lady, as much as children today are digital natives, growing up in a world that offers them many opportunities also exposes them to so many risks.
Galgalo pointed out that it was equally important for parental involvement in their children's digital lives.
"Parents and guardians need to understand the platforms their children use and the risks they may encounter," she said.
The first lady suggested that open lines of communication and regular discussions on online safety will help foster trust and enable parents to provide guidance and support.
She called on parents, guardians, educators and leaders to strive to create an environment where children’s rights are safeguarded, both online and offline.
"The digital world should be a place where our children can explore, learn and connect with others in a safe and nurturing manner. However, we cannot ignore the alarming realities they face: cyberbullying, online harassment, exposure to inappropriate content and even exploitation,” Galgalo explained.
"These challenges demand our attention and concerted efforts to ensure that our children can fully realise their rights even in the digital space," she added.
