Responsible digital use emphasised for young generation

DODOMA: DODOMA District Commissioner (DC), Mr Jabir Shekimweri, has emphasised the importance of educating the public on the responsible use of online platforms to help the younger generation adopt responsible digital practices.

The DC said it is high time for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) stakeholders to explore the possibility of coordinating programs in their respective areas to encourage the proper use of online platforms.

Mr Shekimweri made the remarks in Dodoma recently while opening a capacity building session on digital security and data protection to women councillors and young female politicians from Dodoma, Singida and Tabora regions.

The Central Zone training on digital security and data protection was organised by Tanzania Media for Community Development (TAMCODE), the Youth Environmental Justice and Gender Equality (YOGE) supported by Paradigm Initiative (PIN).

“I urge public and private institutions, political parties, higher learning and tertiary institutions, education officers and councillors among others, to explore the possibility of involving these experts and stakeholders in educating the public on the proper use of online platforms and data protection,” he said.

He added that the initiative will help to develop preparedness plans for the younger generation on the responsible use of online platforms.

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Mr Shekimweri said according to the 2022 Population and Housing Census youth make up 26.1 per cent of the country’s population, therefore it is a large group that can also be part of the decision-making in the governance of the country.

“If this group is well informed about the proper use of the internet, smartphones and similar technologies it will be very important for their future, both individually and in their social, political and business lives,” he said.

He said the training has come at a crucial time as the nation approaches political and election processes.

“Therefore, empowering this group of youth and women on the use of online platforms is important, as they play a key role in decision-making for the nation’s development.” TAMCODE Executive Director, Ms Rose Ngunangwa, said the training is important and has come at the right time.

“We believe that through this training the participants will be empowered to have the confidence and know the proper ways to use the online platforms, as well as how to protect themselves, including dealing with cyber violence,” she said.

She said it will enable the councillors and female politicians to use online platforms to effectively to promote their policies and the work they have done in the community, as well as their achievements and to persuade voters that they are good leaders.

Miriam Wanjiru from PIN urged participants to apply the skills they acquired to educate society on digital security and data protection to ensure their safety.

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She highlighted that, according to a study conducted by her organisation, women are 27 times more likely to experience harassment and cyberbullying compared to men. Wanjiru emphasised that sharing the knowledge is crucial for enhancing their safety.

Chairperson of NCCRMageuzi in Dodoma District and one of the beneficiaries of the training, Khamida Maftaa, said “I have learned many things that will help both me and the community. I am grateful to the organisers and would like to see similar training provided before the General Election next year.” Maftaa also recommended extending the training to students, particularly university students, who frequently use social media to share unethical content and pictures.

She emphasised, “People post pictures that put their safety at risk on platforms like X, Instagram and Facebook. This is dangerous because individuals with bad intentions can misuse those images to harm your reputation.”

Silvia Mng’anya, Secretary of Chadema’s Women Wing in Dodoma District, said “I enjoyed the training because I learned many things I didn’t know, such as protecting my personal information and how we, as politicians, should use social media to promote our work and community activities.”