Parents and guardians have been urged to closely monitor their children’s cellphone use as human traffickers and other online predators increasingly turn to social media to lure unsuspecting minors.
The warning was issued by Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) representative Siboniso Sibandze during the commemoration of International Literacy Day 2026 at Millennium Park in Manzini.
Sibandze said ESCCOM, in collaboration with the deputy prime minister’s office, was implementing a Child Online Protection (COP) programme aimed at raising awareness about dangers children face online.
He urged parents and guardians to take an active interest in their children’s digital activities by monitoring the content they consume and the people they interact with online.
“The internet is like a Playground, but there is no referee, let alone someone who monitors who is playing within the field and whether that particular individual is following the rules,” he said.
Sibandze warned that social media had become a platform through which children could be targeted by traffickers and other dangerous individuals.
He said information from international organisations, including the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), had highlighted the use of social media in facilitating child and human trafficking.
“Child traffickers no longer need to use force to snatch children, but rather they communicate with them through social media and invite them to come over to where they are,” he said.
He added that some parents were paying close attention to their children’s physical whereabouts while overlooking their online activities.
Sibandze also raised concern over cyberbullying, saying statistics from reputable organisations had highlighted links between cyberbullying and suicide attempts.
“As Emaswati, we should always be mindful of whether we or the next person is safe as we are using the internet. You should ask yourself if you have not had a hand in someone taking their life because of what you posted on social media,” he said.
He said literacy extended beyond reading and writing, adding that digital literacy was equally important in an increasingly connected society.
Consent
Sibandze urged locals to familiarise themselves with the Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act No. 6 of 2022, stressing that ignorance of the law was not an excuse.
He warned that accessing or monitoring another person’s cellphone without consent was unlawful, even if the person had purchased the device.
“Peeping into another person’s phone without their consent is a serious offence,” he said.
He further warned against exposing children to pornography online, while noting that cyberbullying and online harassment could also result to criminal prosecution.
Those found guilty of cyberbullying-related offences could face fines of up to E300 000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
Sibandze also warned citizens to be vigilant against ‘facata’ scams.
“Think before you click.
“If you receive a call from unknown people claiming that they are officials from institutions such as the bank, police or ESCCOM and instruct you to dial certain numbers on your phone, terminate the call, pause and think if the caller is genuine,” he said.
He urged the public to verify suspicious calls directly with the relevant institution before taking any action.
