Safeguarding Tomorrow’s Leaders: Unchain Our Children and Partners Present Powerful Online Safety Discussion at St Mary’s Diocesan School

Pretoria, 24 March 2026 - In a strong show of collaboration, Unchain Our Children (UOC), SAPS Brooklyn, the Moses Madiba Foundation and Proshield today visited St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls in Hillcrest, Pretoria. The team addressed Grade 9 learners during their Life Orientation period, delivering an impactful session on online safety.

This outreach forms part of UOC’s consistent school awareness programme, which regularly equips learners across Pretoria and beyond with practical knowledge to navigate the digital world safely. For years, UOC has actively teamed up with like-minded organizations and institutions — especially various SAPS units — to amplify its reach and ensure young people receive credible, multi-sector guidance.

The workshop spotlighted common online pitfalls, including grooming, solicitation, sexting and the exchange of illicit images. Speakers presented the material from complementary perspectives, blending law enforcement insights, community support strategies and real-world victim experiences. This multi-angled approach helped learners understand not only the risks but also the different ways these threats can be prevented and addressed.

Wayne van Onselen, Founder and Executive Director of Unchain Our Children, drew on his extensive experience handling actual cases to deliver a sobering yet empowering message. He stressed the critical importance of developing sound online habits and warned that even seemingly innocent digital connections can conceal serious threats of abuse.

Learners were also given clear reporting channels and encouraged to ask questions. The interactive session left them better informed and more confident in recognising red flags and seeking help when needed.

Three Top Reasons for Children to Practice Sober Online Habits

Personal Safety First

Responsible online behavior protects children from grooming, solicitation and exploitation. By staying vigilant, they reduce the chance of predators turning “friendly” chats into dangerous situations.

Protecting Privacy and Reputation

Sober habits prevent the sharing of intimate images or personal details that can be misused, leaked or weaponized. A single impulsive post can have lasting consequences on a young person’s future opportunities and emotional well-being.

Building Healthy Digital Relationships

Mindful online conduct fosters positive connections instead of risky or manipulative ones. It supports mental health, reduces exposure to cyberbullying and helps children develop the confidence to maintain safe, respectful interactions both online and offline.

Through initiatives like this, Unchain Our Children continues to demonstrate that partnerships and proactive education are the most effective tools in unchain­ing our children from digital dangers. Parents and schools interested in hosting similar workshops are invited to contact UOC for more information.

Discover & Connect:

Invite Unchain Our Children as Guest Speaker:  Call Wayne:  072 364 8246

Report Child Exploitation & Abuse:  Call UOC National Crisis Centre:  067 323 7116