ABUJA (Sundiata Scholar) – Redeemers Teap International School (RTIS) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackle harmful online content associated with students, whilst ensuring their safety within the academic environment.
Mr Ike Onyechere, Chairman of the Board of Governors, RTIS, made the initiative known at the 5th Annual Consultative Forum in Abuja on Monday.
Onyechere explained that the forum aimed to safeguard students from detrimental internet content, including sexual misinformation and online addiction.
He said that the event sought to empower parents, teachers, and school authorities with strategies to protect children from the adverse effects of online exposure.
“The objective is to shield students from the internet’s harmful aspects, such as sexual misinformation, distorted self-perception, and the psychological impact of online addiction.
“To achieve this, RTIS has implemented security measures, including private security guards and police presence during school hours.
“This comprehensive approach is crucial in ensuring students’ physical and emotional well-being,” Onyechere stated.
Maj.-Gen. Mathias Efeobahkhan, emphasised the crucial role of collaboration between parents, teachers, school authorities, and children in ensuring child security.
“Parents need to be more aware of their children’s activities and work together with teachers and the school.
“This shared responsibility is vital in protecting children from various risks, including cyberbullying, phishing, and identity theft, which are significant concerns for young internet users,” he stated.
Dr Lawal Muhammad, Director of the Cyber Security Department at NITDA, also stressed the importance of collaboration in ensuring child security.
“It’s a collaborative effort that everyone has a role to play when it comes to ensuring that our children are safe whenever they are online.
“This collective approach can help mitigate the risks associated with online activities,” he said.
Teachers, like Mrs Margaret Okafor, said that she benefited from the conference, gaining insights on how to address child security concerns.
“It’s a form of enlightenment for us as teachers because we know topics to touch when talking to our children and we know areas to be very observant about,” she explained.
Similarly, parents, like Mrs Nnenna Omelo, recogniSed the importance of managing screen time.
“I’ve learned how to ensure my children are supposed to have screen time. From what I’ve learned today, I’m going to implement it in my home,” she said. (NAN)
