Chief Economist in the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Peter Mwale, has called for urgent and effective measures to protect children from cyberbullying and online exploitation. He was speaking in Liwonde during the “Training of Trainers” workshop for teachers in the South-East Education Division organized by MACRA’s Malawi Computer Emergency Response Team (MwCERT).
He noted that while digital platforms offer immense opportunities for education and social connection, they also expose children to serious risks that must be addressed with urgency: “A single institution cannot address online challenges alone. It requires deep collaboration among government, regulators, parents, schools, communities, and the children themselves.”
He warned that the speed of digital harm is particularly concerning, as a single malicious message or image can reach thousands in seconds, leaving lasting psychological scars.
Dr. Charles Fodya, Head of the MwCERT, highlighted the progress made in establishing technical and social safeguards. He noted that a primary achievement in child online protection has been the promotion of a “culture of early reporting.”
“We have worked to ensure that victims of cyberbullying and online exploitation know exactly where to turn for help. By encouraging children to report incidents without fear or stigma, we can ensure a swift and effective response to these digital threats,” said Fodya.
