Safer Internet Day 2025:Together for a better Internet

The Internet Society Rwanda Chapter successfully organized Safer Internet Day (SID) 2025 on February 11, 2025, at the Groupe Scolaire Nyirarukobwa in Bugesera District.

This event reaffirmed the chapter’s commitment to promoting a secure, trustworthy internet for everyone, as well as responsible internet use. Held under the global theme “Together for a Better Internet,” the event brought together students, teachers, parents, IT professionals, civil society, and other key stakeholders to engage in discussions and activities aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive digital environment for children and young people.

In his opening address,Emmanuel Mfitumukiza, the Chairperson of the Internet Society Rwanda Chapter and Coordinator of the Rwanda Safer Internet Day Committee emphasized the importance of this initiative in Rwanda.

He highlighted that as digital adoption increases, more children face challenges related to what they see, who they interact with, the information they share online, and online behaviour. He explained that this initiative was launched to promote awareness and encourage responsible Internet use, particularly among children and youth where everyone is empowered to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively.

This year marks the 22nd edition of Safer Internet Day (SID), an initiative that began in European Union countries in 2004 and is being celebrated annually in over 180 countries.It was introduced in Rwanda in 2021, starting at GS Nyirarukobwa. Safer Internet Day in Rwanda has since led to the establishment of Safer Internet Forums—a platform for discussions on child online safety issues, Safer Internet Clubs in schools, and specialised training for parents to help them guide and protect their children online.

He further explained that this year’s theme underscores the role that everyone can play in building a safer and better Internet for children. He concluded his address with a call to action, emphasising that the Internet, like any tool, has the potential to either benefit or harm. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that it is used wisely and responsibly.

The GS Nyirarukobwa Safer Internet Club’s performance during the event highlighted strategies to combat misinformation on social media, emphasising the importance of fact-checking before taking any action. Additionally, they performed a song reflecting on the role of the Internet in teaching and learning.

This event was attended by various leaders who delivered messages reflecting on this year’s theme:

Albert Niyigena, the Bugesera District Education Officer, expressed his gratitude to the Internet Society for running initiatives that not only target students and teachers but also include parents, ensuring they are not left behind. He emphasized that the responsible use of the Internet can enhance communication and foster innovation in education. He urged students, teachers, and parents to leverage technology for developmental purposes.

Adelaide Iraduha, Sales and Account Manager at CYBERTEQ, spoke about the risks children face online, highlighting that many fall victim to trusting strangers they meet on social media. She explained that some children develop relationships with these strangers and eventually share explicit images, leading to blackmail, sexual exploitation, unintended pregnancies, and exposure to sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS. She also noted an increase in harassment due to the information children disclose online, which often results in social withdrawal and declining academic performance.

She advised children to think critically about their online actions and seek guidance from adults. Teachers should actively monitor students’ online activities, while parents and guardians should set a good example and oversee their children’s digital engagements. She also highlighted the lack of digital skills as a significant challenge to ensuring better child online protection, emphasizing the need for digital literacy programs to equip both children and caregivers with the necessary knowledge to navigate the online space safely.

Kajangwe Haessen Maurice, Senior Technologist, Privacy and Data Protection at the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and Innovation (MINICT) and the Guest of Honor, delivered a keynote address on Rwanda’s policy for child online protection. He outlined the four major risks children face in the digital space:

1. Content: The risk of children being exposed to harmful or inappropriate online material, which can negatively impact their development and well-being.
2. Contact: The danger of children interacting with strangers online who may have harmful intentions, such as exploitation or manipulation.
3. Conduct: The possibility of children engaging in risky or inappropriate online behaviors, such as sharing personal information or being involved in harmful online activities.
4. Contract: The threat of children falling victim to online fraud, scams, or exploitation, where they might be tricked into giving out sensitive information or participating in harmful transactions.

Maurice emphasized that the government is fully committed to safeguarding children in the digital space. He highlighted the Ministry of ICT and Innovation’s establishment of specific regulations across various sectors to enhance child protection online. He urged children to respect and follow parental guidance and emphasized the need for parents and educators to collaborate in ensuring a safer digital environment for the younger generation.

This event concluded with the awarding of prizes to the top-performing students in the annual Scratch competition organised by GS Nyirarukobwa, aimed at promoting a culture of responsible use of technology.