Mbabane – The Eswatini Communications Commission ESCCOM has introduced Child Online Safety Guidelines during a half day national dialogue on cyberbullying and online safety, held under the theme Creating Safe and Inclusive Digital Spaces for Learners.
The guidelines are designed to protect children using online platforms by preventing cyberbullying, harassment and exposure to harmful or hateful content. They also seek to promote safe, responsible and inclusive digital participation among learners across the country.
The dialogue brought together government officials, educators, development partners and learners, marking a coordinated effort to address growing concerns around online safety. The launch signals a step forward in strengthening child protection in digital spaces while fostering a united national response to challenges affecting young internet users. 
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission pointed to the urgency of working together to address the issue. He said, “Today is a moment of purpose, a moment of responsibility, and above all, a moment of opportunity.” He added that the realities faced by young people cannot be ignored, noting that “cyberbullying is real and it is affecting the confidence, mental health, and futures of our young people.”
He said the country’s response should be built on three pillars being awareness, empowerment and transformation, adding that “the future is digital but it must also be safe, compassionate, and humane.”
Remarks delivered on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister by Mrs Nomcebo Nkomo Nhlengetfwa pointed to the importance of shaping the country’s digital direction. She said, “The digital future is not something that will happen to Eswatini, it is something we must actively shape.” She also called for deliberate action to equip children with the right tools, stating that “the question is whether we will equip them with the skills, the protections, and the values to navigate it safely and responsibly.”
The Ministry of ICT has pledged continued support for children’s online safety, backed by the Cybercrime Act of 2022, which guides national efforts to promote responsible digital citizenship and protect all cyber users, particularly children.
