Cybersecurity for South Africa’s youth: staying safe in a connected world

As we celebrate Youth Month in South Africa, it’s more important than ever to shine a spotlight on the digital safety of our youth. In a world where young people are growing up online (learning, socialising, gaming, and even building their future careers in digital spaces), cybersecurity is no longer optional. It’s essential.  

From school assignments and video calls to streaming and online friendships, today’s youth are digital natives. But with this privilege comes great risk. The internet can be a powerful tool for growth, learning and innovation, but it’s also a place where digital predators, scammers, hackers and misinformation are lurking.

Internet connectivity has opened a world of opportunity, but it also exposes children and teenagers to several online dangers. While parents in South Africa are often vigilant about physical safety, many overlook the growing need to protect their children from digital threats. From cyberbullying and inappropriate content, to identity theft and online predators, the risks are real and rising. 

During lockdown for example, there was a sharp increase in the viewing and sharing of child sexual abuse content online, a tragic reminder that predators actively target platforms used by youth. Posing as peers, they may use manipulation or social engineering tactics to lure children into sharing personal information or worse, compromising images.

Cybersecurity is about more than protecting data—it’s about protecting people, especially those most vulnerable. For young South Africans, digital safety means: 

• Safeguarding personal identity from hackers and scammers. 
• Avoiding harmful content and online exploitation. 
• Learning how to be responsible digital citizens, capable of navigating social media and online platforms with awareness and confidence. 
• Building cyber skills that can open doors to future careers in tech and innovation. 

As our world becomes more digitally driven, understanding cybersecurity isn’t just important, it’s empowering. Youth who are equipped with cybersecurity awareness and digital responsibility will be better prepared to thrive in a fast-changing world. 

Here is essential cyber safety tips tailored for young people and those who care for them: 

Learn the basics of digital safety 

• Use strong, unique passwords and avoid sharing them with anyone. 
• Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. 
• Install trusted antivirus software and keep it up to date. 
• Keep all software and apps updated to patch any vulnerabilities. 

Recognise online threats 

• Phishing: fake messages trying to steal personal info. 
• Malware: software designed to damage or spy on your device. 
• Ransomware: locking files until a ransom is paid. 
• Social engineering: tricks and emotional manipulation to gain trust.

Be cautious about sharing personal information 

Even an innocent photo or location tag can give away more than intended. Oversharing (sometimes called “sharenting”) can unintentionally put children at risk, especially when school names, uniforms, or favourite hangouts are included in posts. 

Supervise and talk openly 

For parents –  keep communication lines open. Make sure your children understand the risks and know they can come to you if something feels wrong. Keep devices in shared areas of the house, especially for younger kids. 

Use parental control tools 

Plenty of technology can help monitor and manage what kids access online, even if you’re not tech-savvy yourself. 

From the Uber security breach to the Showmax password leak, even the biggest companies aren’t immune to cyberattacks. If it can happen to them, it can happen to anyone. That’s why everyone, including children and teens, needs to be aware of how to stay safe online.

Cybersecurity is a collective responsibility. This Youth Month, let’s commit to equipping our young people with the tools, skills, and awareness they need to protect themselves in the digital world. Whether it’s setting healthy online boundaries, learning about phishing scams, or even exploring a future career in cybersecurity, empowering youth with digital knowledge today means a safer, smarter South Africa tomorrow. 

Let’s make the internet a place where our youth can thrive safely. 

Stay informed. Stay alert. Stay cyber smart.