South African schools and parents are stepping up online safety education for kids amid growing concerns over cyberbullying, AI-generated fake images, and other digital threats. The Parents Association of KwaZulu-Natal recently warned that learners are misusing AI tools to create fake explicit images of peers, with chair Vee Gani stating, “This technology is at our fingertips, and some people do not use it responsibly” highlighting potential serious criminal and civil consequences.
Digital law expert Emma Sadleir emphasized that creating and distributing such images is a serious offence under South African law, with both children and parents facing liability. “If you’ve been the originator of something defamatory or pornographic, you can be held criminally and civilly liable” she warned.
Experts stress that schools should incorporate structured online safety lessons into curricula, covering topics like privacy, cyberbullying, and content risks. Initiatives like the Digital Life Skills Summit have highlighted this need, but participation remains uneven across schools.
Parents are advised to take an active role at home, having open conversations about online behaviour and setting clear guidelines. Digital safety experts emphasize that digital responsibility starts early, and adults must help children understand their digital footprint’s long-term impact.
Civil society groups like the African Child Online Safety Alliance (ACOSA) advocate for stronger policies and community awareness campaigns. As Gani put it, “The only thing that schools can do repeatedly is to conscientise, develop and educate our children”.
