MwCERT Trains Teachers as Malawi Steps Up Child Online Safety Efforts

Malawi’s Chief Economist in the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Peter Mwale, has called for urgent and coordinated efforts to shield children from cyberbullying and online exploitation. He made the remarks during a “Training of Trainers” workshop for teachers in the South-East Education Division, organized by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority’s (MACRA) Malawi Computer Emergency Response Team (MwCERT).

Mwale emphasized that while digital platforms present vast opportunities for learning and social interaction, they also expose children to significant risks that demand immediate attention. He stressed that tackling online threats requires a collective approach.

“A single institution cannot address online challenges alone. It requires deep collaboration among government, regulators, parents, schools, communities, and the children themselves.”

– Peter Mwale, Chief Economist in the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Malawi

He further warned about the speed and scale of digital harm, noting that a single harmful message or image can spread to thousands within seconds, potentially causing lasting psychological damage.

Dr. Charles Fodya, Head of MwCERT, highlighted progress in strengthening both technical and social safeguards for child online protection. A key achievement, he noted, has been fostering a culture of early reporting.

“We have worked to ensure that victims of cyberbullying and online exploitation know exactly where to turn for help. By encouraging children to report incidents without fear or stigma, we can ensure a swift and effective response to these digital threats.”

– Dr. Charles Fodya, Head, MwCERT

The initiative reflects MACRA’s continued efforts to enhance digital safety awareness and equip educators with the tools needed to protect children in an increasingly connected world.