AWARENESS CAMPAIGN DRIVEN BY RIA PIETERSE ATTORNEYS AND UOC PROMOTES SAFE INTERNET USAGE AND PRACTICES FOR STUDENTS

Ria Pieterse, owner of Ria Pieterse Attorneys (RPA) in Brits, North West Province, is a popular and much loved attorney and exemplary activist for children’s rights.  Together  with Unchain Our Children many students in the Brits area were already reached with the important message of responsible cell phone use and to be alert for the dangers hidden in the cyber space. The talks are part of an ongoing educational campaign to empower children to make informative choices while interacting on social media platforms.

Today, similar talks, with the purpose of educating children on cyber safety, how to recognize bullying and human trafficking signs and what measures to take to prevent and address it, were held for the students and teachers of GHS Primary School in Hartbeespoort where Ria and UOC were welcomed with open arms. Creating awareness about the reality of internet use, emphasizing both its positive and negative sides, was the main theme of the outreach.

“One of the primary topics was the issue of bullying, particularly cyberbullying. We conveyed the serious emotional and legal repercussions of such actions, reinforcing the notion that kindness and empathy should guide all interactions, both online and offline. Our aim was to cultivate an environment where students feel compelled to stand against bullying in any form.”  Ria Pieterse

The content of the messages evoked critical thinking and encouraged responsible cell phone use. Being uninformed causes irresponsible use of electronic communication devices and might result in jeopardizing personal safety or even pose the risk of legal ramifications.

Gaming, one of the most popular leisure activities for children, poses equally dangerous inroads to inappropriate connections which can lead to grooming, intimidation, threats and blackmailing.  Perpetrators hunting children for illicit gains and personal gratification use every possible way to reach children via social media, games and other tempting but very dangerous digital platforms.

With internet access readily available for children, a new world of possibilities open up to children.  A world where their young impressionable minds are exposed to unimaginable dangers and radical content and abuse.  It is a world where strangers become ‘friends’. Where they post personal information, addresses, phone numbers which predators can use to find them. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to continue with awareness campaigns to educate students on the reality of cyber space and not only the appeal thereof.

“Ria Pieterse is one of Unchain Our Children’s most valuable friends and supporters and she talks with confidence and authority on the subject which is always well received by the young audiences.  We treasure her time, input and advocacy for child’s safety,” said Wayne van Onselen, Founder and Executive Director of Unchain Our Children.

Contact:

Invite Unchain Our Children and Ria Pieterse Attorneys to your school/university:  Contact Wayne van Onselen:  072 364 8246

If you are a victim of any form of child abuse, contact Unchain Our Children’s National Crisis Centre:  067 323 7116

Learn more about Ria Pieterse Attorneys:  https://rplegal.co.za/