Tik Tok launches safety training programme for children

Following concerns raised over the safety of children on social media platforms in the country, TikTok, a popular video-uploading and live-streaming platform has come up with a safety training programme for children.

The new initiative targeting children who are leveraging technology for learning purposes aims at empowering them to reap the benefits of tech responsibly.

The social media platform has partnered with institutions of higher learning to equip children with skills on how to use the internet safely, in a new move that is expected to enhance a collaborative approach to ensuring a secure and positive platform environment.

In the plans, one of the the experts incorporated on board in Kenya is Eveminet Communications Solutions which has partnered with Kenya Scouts Association to promote digital safety and well-being through equipping and empowering children, youth, individuals and communities through digital literacy and online safety training.

While speaking during a TikTok Safety Workshop at Zetech University on Sunday, Fortune Sibanga, TikTok's director of government relations and public policy for the Sub-Saharan region, expressed the platform's commitment to fostering a safe and welcoming environment, ensuring that everyone can express themselves freely and creatively while staying protected from potential harm.

Sibanga indicated that the incorporation of experts to train children on safety will help the platform develop forward-looking policies and address regional safety concerns.

He went further to explain that the experts will help TikTok manage current challenges arising from the use of the platform, reinforcing the platform's commitment to user safety and fostering a positive online environment.

"Online safety is an ever-evolving challenge and our new advisory council is to improve safety on our platform. The experts we have brought on board will also help us address even future challenges through innovations and solutions," said Sibanga.

Monetisation opportunities

He continued to say that Tiktok is currently actively engaging content creators to enhance their monetisation opportunities to empower them and foster a sustainable content ecosystem in the country.

From left, Zetech University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Njenga Munene gifting the Head of Public Policy Programs at TikTok for the Middle East, Africa, Turkiye, Pakistan and South Asia, Ms. Zara Higgs. (Photo: Handout)

On her part, Evelyn Kasina, the representative of Eveminet Communications revealed that the collaboration with Tiktok will not only enhance safety but will help create job opportunities for youths participating in translations and training sessions.

She revealed that the Kenya Scouts Association, an institution that is embedded in every county and in all schools was brought on board to facilitate a sustainable model of reaching out to all children in Kenya,

Zetech University Vice Chancellor Prof. Njenga Munene expressed the need for enhanced safety measures in the use of internet platforms to strengthen the protection of youngsters from harm by introducing age-appropriate privacy settings and controls.

In April this year, TikTok announced its ongoing collaboration with Kenyan policymakers, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to enhance platform safety and stimulate the country's creative economy.

As part of the platform's commitment to upholding safety, TikTok has encouraged legislators and other government officials to visit its Transparency and Accountability Centre in Dublin.

Already, the platform has seen the emergence of local talents that are attracting local and international attention and has generated millions of viewers on their accounts.

@theroamingchef (Dennis Ombachi), winner of our inaugural Top Creator Award for 2022, is a sports professional who has warmed the hearts of many global audiences with his cooking skills and signature phrase "done".

Amos Ngahu, an established local MC who learnt his emceeing skills through TikTok; and whose TikTok account @moneygossip teaches financial literacy to emerging youth business owners and entrepreneurs.

@elsa.majimbo – a creator who gained recognition during the COVID-19 quarantine days by making home-based comedy skits.

Elsa is now a global phenomenon based in the United States and continues to share heartwarming anecdotes of her ever so colourful life with her global audience.

According to the National Council for Population and Development, Kenya is a youthful nation with over 80% of the population aged 35 years and below.