UOC Brings Online Safety and Anti-Trafficking Awareness to Phalaborwa Schools

Unchain Our Children (UOC), a South African non-profit dedicated to combating human trafficking, child abuse and gender-based violence, conducted a school outreach in Phalaborwa this week. Invited by Zelma Cronje, a social worker with Phalaborwa Maatskaplike Raad, under the CMR umbrella, the organization reached a total of 1 852 learners at Phalaborwa Primary School, Phalaborwa North Primary School and Meridian College. Maroela Crisis Centre also participated, explaining its role in supporting victims and survivors of child exploitation.

Wayne van Onselen, Founder and Executive Director, and Nicky McDonald, Senior Social Worker, delivered age-appropriate presentations on cyberbullying, child trafficking, online grooming, red flags and healthy online habits. Drawing on their direct work with victims and survivors, they spoke with authority and created an atmosphere of trust that encouraged learners to ask questions and share concerns.

UOC’s school outreach programme is central to its prevention efforts. The organization regularly visits primary and secondary schools in Pretoria and further afield, often partnering with SAPS units and other stakeholders, to equip young people with practical knowledge. Sessions are interactive and tailored to different age groups so that children can recognize threats and know how to seek help.

Wayne encouraged the learners: “You too can be the voice of the voiceless. You too can stand up against bullying. Report incidents to a trusted adult.”

Presentations covered how predators create fake profiles, pose as peers and use flattery to build trust before escalating to exploitation. Traffickers and abusers frequently use social media, messaging apps and gaming platforms to recruit and deceive children. Learners were taught to watch for red flags such as requests for personal information or photos, pressure to keep conversations secret, unexplained gifts, or sudden secrecy around devices. The talks also addressed the traps of false friendships, modelling offers, gifts or emotional support, stressing that anyone can be targeted.

Particular attention was given to the dangers of sexting and self-generated child sexual abuse material. Under the Films and Publications Act 65 of 1996 (as amended), it is illegal for anyone to create, possess or distribute material involving persons under 18. Penalties are severe and can include up to 10 years’ imprisonment per offence—even when the person creating or sharing the material is a minor.

Younger learners, especially those in Grades 1 to 3, reacted strongly to practical advice such as parents holding mobile-phone passwords. Across all ages, children paid close attention and were able to recall key points correctly after the sessions.

A parent information evening at Frans du Toit Secondary School reinforced the message that parents carry primary responsibility for monitoring device use, remaining alert to inappropriate contacts and cyberbullying, and knowing their children’s social-media networks.

“UOC was blessed to have been granted the opportunity to impact the children and parents of Phalaborwa. The young audiences appreciated the seriousness of the message and took note of the dangerous consequences of irresponsible usage of electronic devices,” said Nicky McDonald.

Through these combined school and parent sessions, UOC continues its mission of prevention through education, helping Phalaborwa communities recognize risks early and break the chains of exploitation.

Discover & Connect:

Invite the UOC Team to speak at your school, church or social gathering: Call Wayne: 072 364 8246

Report Child Exploitation:

Call UOC National Crisis Centre: 067 323 7116