JOHANNESBURG, 30 May 2025 – Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), with Web Ranger partners, are excited to launch a series of digital literacy outreach activities to commemorate National Child Protection Week. The Web Rangers, a youth-led digital rights initiative under this year’s national Child Protection Week theme, “Working together in ending violence against children,” aim to reach over 1,800 learners through targeted digital and media literacy outreach activities in North West and Johannesburg, schools.
Digital Literacy for Safer Online Spaces
Between 28 and 29 May 2025, In the North West province, Web Rangers will host four interactive workshops in Four schools in the North West province (Brits and Rustenburg) engaging 1200 Grade 8 learners on critical issues like cyberbullying, Online Gender Based Violence, and identifying online scams, reinforcing the link between online violence and broader child protection goals. The session is supported by the Department of Basic Education(DBE),South African Police Services (SAPS), The Film and Publication Board (FPB) and the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA).
Johannesburg: Partnering for Policy Change
In collaboration with the Information Regulator, Web Rangers will convene a special workshop in Johannesburg on the 5th June 2025 with 100 learners from Sizwile School for the Deaf in Soweto to amplify children’s rights under POPIA Section 34, which highlights their right to privacy and as well as to encourage competent persons to play an active role in ensuring data protection of children, underscore the theme’s call for collective action.
Climate Action Meets Digital Resilience
To commemorate World Environment Day celebrated on the 5th June 2025, Web Rangers and MTN under MTN’s child online safety campaign “Help Children Be Children”, will host a short workshop on climate disinformation, teaching learners at Kaalfontein Secondary School (Johannesburg) to discern factual environmental content online. The session will help learners connect the dots between false climate claimsand real-world harm to children’s futures, aligning with Child Protection Week’s focus on systemic risks.
“Ending violence against children means tackling threats everywhere—from screens to streets. These workshops equip children to recognise the innovative strategies that different stakeholders can employ to empower children to be protected online and offline.” – Media Monitoring Africa (MMA)’s Phakamile Madonsela (Public and Media Skills Development Manager)
For Media Inquiries:
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:
MMA contact person: Phakamile Madonsela: phakamilek@mma.org.za
Website: MMA
About Media Monitoring Africa:
Founded in 1993, MMA is dedicated to promoting ethical journalism and protecting human rights in South Africa. By championing children’s rights and leveraging technology for impactful change, MMA continues to work with others to lead the way in creating safer online spaces for young people.