What tools do parents need to make speaking with their children about their online safety less challenging/more comfortable?

She suggests simple guides presented in local languages. Digital safety information presented in Kiswahili or other local dialects can help demystify complex tech terms and make it easier for parents to engage. As well as real-life stories and local examples. "Sharing relevant case studies or even fictional stories, based on contexts familiar to the child, can help initiate conversations." And lastly she suggests support groups and safe spaces available to parents for ongoing assistance. "These can include community forums, parent WhatsApp groups, and school meetings, which can serve as platforms for shared learning and mutual support."

"Parental control apps with transparency for ease of providing supervision and oversight. Tools like Google Family Link can be helpful, but should be introduced to children as part of a safety conversation, and not used as secret surveillance. Trust between the parent and the child may be compromised when these tools are used in secret and the child gets to know about it."

How can parents stay informed about these steps?

"Follow trusted organizations and use their resources for up-to-date digital parenting guidance. Participate in school programs and tech agreements to stay involved in your child’s digital life. Use local media and community events to access information on digital safety and use social media responsibly by following verified child safety organizations for educational content."

Some online games also expose children to a lot of violence, nudity, and a distorted view of life which may lead to emotional desensitization or risky behaviour. Policymakers must keep up with these evolving risks by crafting responsive, tech-aware child protection policies and also equip parents and caregivers with knowledge, skills and tools to be able to be more vigilant and to consciously provide supervision to their children while on the online space.

What practical steps do you recommend parents take to protect their children online, considering your country's specific circumstances?

While access to smartphones is widespread and digital literacy among adults is still developing, protecting children online requires practical, culturally appropriate, and proactive steps from parents. It is essential that parents take deliberate actions to create safer digital environments for their children.

How can parents adapt traditional safety advice like "don't talk to strangers" and "be kind to others" to their children's online activities? What specific considerations are needed for your local context? 

In the Kenyan context, adapting traditional safety advice to the digital space requires a very conscious cultural shift toward openness and digital awareness. For example:

“Don’t talk to strangers” can be presented as “Not everyone online is who they say they are—don’t share personal information or accept friend requests from strangers.” The message “Be kind to others” should be presented with lessons on digital good behaviour or politeness, avoiding cyberbullying, and respecting others even when hidden behind a screen.

Culturally, Kenyan parents often emphasize respect and obedience, which may discourage children from speaking out when they encounter trouble online. Therefore, parents must create non-judgmental, child friendly and trust-based environments that encourage their children to share online experiences freely. Moreover, parents can use storytelling or local media to explore online safety in relatable ways, making it easier to discuss complex digital issues within familiar cultural parameters.

With technology and online platforms evolving rapidly, what new threats to children's online safety should parents and policymakers in your country be watching?

Kenya’s increasing digital penetration, especially through smartphones and easy access to internet, presents new threats. These threats include live-streaming abuse and encrypted apps, AI-generated content and deepfakes, hidden gambling apps and dark web content, accessible through unregulated platforms and exposure to violent extremism and harmful ideologies, especially among youth feeling isolated or misunderstood.

What can parents do?

• Establish clear internet rules including screen time limits, allowed content and device locations, and explain these rules to help children understand their purpose

• Spend time online with your children to teach, monitor and build trust during their online activities.

• Watch for behavioural changes like withdrawal, secrecy or declining school performance, as these may signal online risks

• Join community sessions or school/NGO training on online safety if they're available.

• Teach children about online dangers like privacy, cyberbullying, and scams, using age-appropriate language and real-life examples, and discuss how to respond safely.

• Be present and supportive so your child feels comfortable coming to you with online concerns, fostering trust and open communication.

What are the main online risks faced by children in your country today?

The top five online risks that have been reported are online grooming, exposure to pornography, sextortion and distribution of child abuse material online.

What are the challenges faced by parents when it comes to protecting their children online?

In Kenya, parents face numerous challenges in protecting their children online. The rapid technological advancements, coupled with limited digital literacy among parents, has created a significant gap between children’s online engagement and adult supervision. Children often access the internet through mobile phones without parental supervision and also in unsupervised environments like cybercafés or with borrowed gadgets. The Internet has everything, and knowing what to consume is difficult not just for children but even for adults. Children may unintentionally be exposed to inappropriate content, including violence and sexual material, through pop-ups or misleading links.