Scheduled for Thursday, 9 July, from 18:00 to 19:00, this virtual session marks a significant shift in the iLizwe Lam programme's strategy to move "beyond the school gate" and meet South African families where they are. The webinar is designed to be an accessible, non-technical space for parents and guardians of tweens and teenagers aged 9–18, regardless of their own digital literacy levels, says the initiative.

As digital spaces become increasingly central to the lives of young South Africans, parents serve as critical enablers of positive behavior at home. This session aims to equip them with the confidence to support their children's digital journeys responsibly. 

According to the initiative, key highlights of the webinar include:

  • Identifying Online Risks: Expert insights into modern challenges such as cyberbullying, predatory behavior, and online scams.
  • Practical Safety Tools: A live demonstration of parental controls and privacy settings available through Meta's My Digital World platform.
  • Open Dialogue: Strategies and "conversation starters" to help parents bridge the communication gap with their teens regarding digital life.
  • Local Resources: Guidance on where to seek help and how to report online incidents within the South African context.

"In 2026, our goal is to extend the reach of iLizwe Lam directly into the living room," says Polly Sekwala, iLizwe Lam Project Manager. "We understand that parenting in the digital age can feel overwhelming. This webinar is about providing a warm, supportive community where parents can gain practical tools to make sure their children explore the digital world safely and with integrity."

The webinar is free to attend and open to all South African families. Interested participants are encouraged to register early to secure their spot in this vital conversation. 

Event Details

  • Topic: Keeping Your Child Safe Online.
  • Date: Thursday, 9 July.
  • Time: 18:00 to 19:00.
  • Platform: ZOOM.
  • Registration: Available on the iLizwe Lam social media pages, found on Facebook and Instagram. Alternatively, follow Digify Africa for more information. 

About the iLizwe Lam programme,  iLizwe Lam (meaning "My World") is a digital safety programme designed to equip tweens, teens, educators and parents across South Africa with practical tools for navigating digital spaces responsibly. Delivered by Digify Africa and supported by Meta, the programme combines in-school sessions, youth leadership, and national digital campaigns to build a safer online world for the next generation, concludes the initiative.

For more information, visit www.digifyafrica.com. You can also follow Digify Africa on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor