J Initiative, a child online protection and Digital Literacy advocacy group, is pushing for the infusion of cyber security into the basic school curricular.
The advocacy group has since made a presentation to be included in the legal framework to guide Ghana’s Cyber Security Policy and Strategy.
The Executive Director of J Initiative, Awo Aidam Amenyah, made a strong case at the ongoing National Cyber Security Week, for the framework to absorb its concept to aid child online protection.
She told the gathering at the Ghana Online Child Protection Conference that, the state has to ensure the framework is holistic, to address any future child online protection challenges.
The policy, which was approved by cabinet in 2016, is a road map on what should be done to ensure that the country’s cyberspace is secured.
The policy also talks about issues within the cybercrime law enforcement area which currently is difficult for the law enforcement to implement because of the lack of capacity and necessary tools.
Currently, the Communication Ministry is gathering suggestion to infuse into the framework.
It has, therefore, outlined areas such as building the capacities of law enforcement bodies, as well as the legal fraternity such as the Attorney-General, judges and lawyers to empower them to deal with cybercrime-related issues.
J Initiative believes the framework will work because of the political will from government. So far government has been critical in all facets, ensuring the best brain in the cyber security space are engaged.
The following are the critical consideration from J Initiative:
1. What is unacceptable offline is not acceptable online.
2. All users regardless of education must be empowered to stay safe on the net.
3. Industry players have a responsibility towards consumers.
4. Create partnership for International Corporation.
5. Regulate advertisements both online and traditional media.
6. Data protection regulation must work for all manner of persons.
7. Online games should be carefully scrutinized to ensure they don’t carry wrong content or contact.
8. Review of school curricular to empower children with online safety tips.
Source: Ghana/Starrfmonline.com/103.5FM/Osei Owusu Amankwaah
