Avoid posting photos, videos of vulnerable childre...

Avoid posting photos, videos of vulnerable children, socialites warned

Audrey Galawu

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Sharing of children’s pictures or videos, even unintentional can be damaging and expose the child to risks such as sexual exploitation, future emotional distress and digital kidnapping.

With the era of social media, the sharing of sensitive information is increasing and becoming more damaging.

The Zimbabwe National Council for the Welfare of Children national director, Reverend Taylor Nyanhete, said socialites are disregarding the rights of vulnerable children by posting their pictures and videos on social media.

He also said children’s rights must be respected and realised despite the guardian’s belief system, whether social and/or religious.

“We commend the socialites that have great ambition to help children in Zimbabwe. However, oftentimes they end up sharing photos of vulnerable children in their efforts of contributing to change instead of going through the law-established processes and procedures which have been implemented to protect children.

“It is against this background that we declare that children are not supposed to have their pictures shown especially when it’s clear that they are in a vulnerable state.

“The law about posting non-consented pictures and videos online is to be followed by all. Parents, friends, classmates and personnel. This includes socialites and journalists as well.

“Children’s dignity needs safeguarding. Pictures and videos online can be accessed indefinitely once posted.

“The child may grow up to find pictures of themselves online they did not consent to upload. Where it is deemed necessary to use pictures of children in vulnerable states it must be with their consent or with the consent of their guardian or the State.

“Proof of the necessity must be kept, otherwise it’s a violation of the child’s right. Child Protection Officers have the authority to protect any child within the state of Zimbabwe if there is reasonable evidence that exploitation and abuse have been observed.

“Safeguarding children’s rights in Zimbabwe is a crucial responsibility, upheld by progressive laws and frameworks such as the Constitution and the Children’s Amendment Act, which serve to protect children’s well-being and dignity,” he said.

Zimbabwe has taken significant strides to protect children from online violence though the Zimbabwe Child Online Protection Taskforce which encompasses the Data Protection Act which acknowledges the risk faced by children online.