The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s online activities.
The authority has cautioned that exposure to harmful digital content could influence attitudes and behaviours related to alcohol and drug use.
In a public advisory, NACADA said that digital supervision has become an essential part of modern parenting as children spend more time on smartphones, tablets and other internet-connected devices.
According to the authority, while the internet offers valuable opportunities for learning, communication and entertainment, it also exposes children to content that may negatively shape their behaviour if left unchecked.
“Digital Supervision – Protecting Your Child in the Online World. Monitor and guide your child’s digital activities during the school break. Exposure to harmful online content can influence attitudes and behaviours related to alcohol and drug use,” NACADA wrote.
The authority encouraged parents to take an active role in guiding their children’s online experiences rather than leaving them to navigate the digital world on their own.
“Digital supervision is an important aspect of modern parenting,” it added.
Among the measures recommended by NACADA is knowing the social media platforms, websites and applications that children use regularly.
Parents have also been advised to set reasonable screen time limits and establish clear boundaries on internet use during the school holidays.
The authority further urged parents to have regular conversations with their children about online safety and the risks associated with harmful digital content, including material that promotes alcohol and drug abuse.
It also encouraged parents to remain engaged by taking an interest in who their children communicate with online and the type of content they watch or consume on various digital platforms.
Additionally , NACADA said parents should strive to create an environment where children feel comfortable discussing anything they encounter online that makes them feel unsafe, confused or concerned.
