Ngong: Suba North Member of Parliament, Millie Odhiambo, has called upon parents to take an active role in shielding their children from the adverse effects of digital platforms. Speaking to religious leaders, parents, teachers, and digital safety experts who attended 'The International Missing Children's Day' symposium in Ngong, the legislator emphasized the urgent need to regulate children's access to online content.
According to Kenya News Agency, Odhiambo, who is also a vocal child rights advocate and legislator, highlighted the issue of young children going missing each year. She urged parents to be vigilant and educate their children on responsible internet use. Drawing from her extensive work on online child safety before joining parliament, she noted the prevalence of online predators targeting children.
Odhiambo shared alarming stories of young individuals misusing social media, such as 12-year-old girls communicating with someone claiming to be a 15-year-old boy, only to discover that the person is actually a 34-year-old who abducts and abuses them. She stressed the importance of parents having conversations about when children should access online platforms, warning of the dangers posed by online predators.
In addition, the MP called upon policymakers to enact and enforce laws that protect children from online exploitation and cyberbullying. She emphasized that creating a safe digital environment for Kenyan children is a collective responsibility, involving parents, educators, and policymakers alike.
Odhiambo has consistently advocated for children's rights. In January 2025, she challenged parents to combat cyberbullying and misuse of social media concerning their children. Her ongoing efforts are aimed at fostering a safer digital environment for children, encouraging a united approach to address these pressing issues.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, in collaboration with stakeholders, published a booklet outlining measures to protect school-going children from online bullying.