A call for safety and awareness around cyberbullying

Child protection experts in the Western Cape have renewed calls for the protection, education, and empowerment of the girl child.

On Thursday, October 9, members of the police and child protection organisations took part in an awareness event at the Etafeni Day Care Centre Trust, where more than 20 girls aged between seven and 18 gathered under the theme “Empowering the Girl Child: Raising Awareness on Social Media.”

The event focused on helping young girls to find their voices, take control of their futures, and play an active role in improving their communities.

Speaking to the girls, Etafeni social worker Lungiswa Mufamana emphasised the importance of bodily autonomy, informed choices, and early empowerment.

“It is time for every woman’s voice to become thunderous,” Ms Mufamana said.

She discouraged early sexual activity, saying that teenage pregnancy is problematic.

“If they are already sexually active, they should visit the clinic for contraception, but also talk to their parents about their bodies,” she said.

She warned the girls of the lasting impact of early pregnancy, including school dropouts, delayed dreams, financial struggles, and even family rejection.

“We are not wrong for demanding better for them,” she said.

Issues such as sexual violence, the ineffectiveness of the justice system, and the lack of open communication at home about puberty, menstruation, and other bodily changes were raised.

Ms Mufamana acknowledged these concerns and pointed to cultural taboos and generational gaps as ongoing challenges in parent-child communication.

Nyanga police spokesperson Constable Nandisa Mpengesi, from the Social Crime Unit, and Constable Chumisa Dyongomane of the Domestic Violence Unit, focused their talks on the dangers young girls face online and in their communities.

Constable Mpengesi warned the girls about the risks of oversharing on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok.

“There are people out there with bad intentions, waiting to take advantage,” she said, adding that people may pretend to be friends or offer money, only to lure young girls into dangerous situations, including rape or trafficking.

She urged the girls to be cautious and mindful of what they post online.

“You may look older in your pictures, and predators will try to use that against you. They might promise you dinner, gifts, or opportunities, but their goal is to harm you. We are here to preach personal safety, both online and in your community.”

Constable Dyongomane encouraged the girls to speak out against abuse, domestic violence, and rape. She acknowledged that many of the girls live in communities burdened by high unemployment and poverty, conditions that sometimes allow abusers to exert control through economic power.

“You are vulnerable because the provider often takes advantage of the situation,” she said.

“This causes stress, anxiety, and long-term psychological harm. Rather speak out, go to the police or seek help from a social worker.”

She said that abuse often occurs in front of children, damaging their emotional well-being.

“You will grow up angry if it’s not addressed. But change starts with you, not just for yourselves, but for your mothers and sisters too.”