Every year, Safer Internet Day is observed in approximately 140 countries throughout the world. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness about online social issues such as cyberbullying, data privacy, and the spread of child pornography.
The Film and Publication Board is the regulator of the creation, production and possession of films, games, certain online content.
The FPB’s interim Chief Executive Officer, Nomvuyiso Batyi, says they have a responsibility to protect children from exposure to harmful content.
“We encourage the safe and responsible use of the digital space as a key tool to empower, educate and entertain our youth,” says Batyi.
“The Films and Publications Amendment Act assented to by [President Cyril Ramaphosa] in 2019 and which is set to become operational this year, will provide a broader mandate for regulation of content in the online space,” added Bayti.
According to the DataReportal website, the number of internet users in South Africa grew by 4.5% between 2020 and 2021. In January 2021 there were more than 38 million internet users in Mzansi.
Social media users grew to 25 million, which is the equivalent of 42% of the South African population.
As per a study conducted by the South African College of Applied Psychology, South Africa has the fourth-highest rate of cyberbullying in the world. It also highlights that 24% of South African teens have experienced cyberbullying.
- More than 43 million South Africans will be internet subscribers by 2022.
- 22% of South Africans with broadband access spend more than five hours on the internet per day.
- Internet usage is more popular than television and radio.
- 80% of school children are dependent on mobile devices.
- 70% of children check their phones as soon as they wake up.