As South Africa and the African continent continue to expand access to the internet and digital technologies, children are participating in online spaces at unprecedented levels. While these platforms provide opportunities for learning, creativity, and empowerment, they also expose children to serious risks including cyberbullying, harmful content, exploitation, data misuse, and violations of their human rights and in particular right to privacy.

The conference brought together government departments, UN agencies, regulators, technology companies, civil society, and children themselves to engage in a coordinated and solutions-driven dialogue.

The report identifies significant gaps in South Africa's legal framework, including the Protection of Personal Information Act, the Films and Publications Amendment Act, the Cybercrimes Act, and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, that leave children exposed to online harms such as grooming, exploitation, cyberbullying, addictive platform design, and the unconsented collection and posting of their personal data.

It also includes The Children's Declaration, adopted by child participants at the conference, setting out their own call to action to government, technology companies, schools, parents, and civil society.

SAHRC to Launch Conference Report on Children's Rights to Privacy and Safety on Online Platforms

Date: 22 October 2026

Time: 10h00 – 12h00

Venue: Sentinel House, Sunnyside Office Park, 32 Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown, Training Centre

• Members of the public who wish to attend the launch should rsvp by sending email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 15 October 2026.

• Members of the media are invited to report on the lunch.

ENDS

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

For further information or inquiries, please contact Mr Wisani Baloyi on 081 016 8308 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Given Makhuvele on 082 773 4428/072 1977 581 (WhatsApp), or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.