As internet access expands rapidly across Africa, gaps in digital safety and literacy are leaving young people increasingly exposed to online risks, Lilian Kariuki executive director of Watoto Watch Network has said.

Kariuki, who also serves on TikTok’s Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council, said the growth of digital platforms has brought both opportunity and danger, with many children navigating online spaces without adequate protection or awareness.

“Some of the key risks include online exploitation, cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and misinformation,” she said. “What many parents may not fully realise is how quickly these risks can evolve.”

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Drawing from her work with families and young people, Kariuki said her passion for child protection has been shaped by years of direct engagement with communities.

“I have witnessed both the opportunities and the risks that come with this shift,” she said. “There is an urgent need to ensure that as access grows, protection and awareness grow alongside it.”

She said while young people are increasingly active online, many lack the skills to navigate digital spaces safely, creating what she described as a widening digital literacy gap.

“There is a growing gap in digital literacy, where young people may be active online but not fully equipped on how to navigate it safely,” Kariuki said.

The ED said simple, consistent actions by parents and teachers can significantly reduce risks. Chief among them, she said, is fostering open communication.

“The most important step is open communication. Children should feel comfortable talking about their online experiences without fear of punishment,” she said, adding that adults should also familiarise themselves with platforms and use tools such as privacy settings and parental controls.

Her role on TikTok’s regional safety advisory council involves feeding African perspectives into global policy discussions, something she says is critical for effective solutions.

“It creates an opportunity to ensure African contexts are reflected in global decision-making,” she said. “Challenges and user behaviours differ across regions, and solutions must be informed by local realities.”

Kariuki also spoke about the challenges women face in technology and digital safety spaces, noting that inclusion remains uneven.

“There are moments where your voice may not be immediately recognised,” she said. “But that reinforces the importance of showing up and creating space for more women to participate.”

Despite the risks, she maintains that the internet remains a powerful tool if used responsibly.

“I see the internet as both an incredible opportunity and a space that requires responsibility,” she said.

Looking ahead, Kariuki called for stronger collaboration among governments, tech companies, civil society and communities to build safer online environments for children.

“A safer internet will come from shared responsibility and consistent action,” she said.

She also encouraged young African girls to pursue careers in technology and digital safety, stressing the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future.

“Your voice matters, and your perspective is needed,” she said. “The future of the digital world will be shaped by people like you.”