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: Thursday, 22 October 2026
- Time: 10h00am– 12h00
- Venue: Sentinel House, Sunnyside Office Park, 32 Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown, Training Centre
Members of the media are invited to report on the launch.
ENDS