Ensure children utilise technology for their benefit – State Information Commissioner

DIMAPUR — Even as information technology has opened up several opportunities coupled with several dangers, State Information Commissioner, Nosazol Charles, has called upon the adults and educators to enhance their awareness and knowledge to ensure that children utilise the technology for their benefit and do not fall prey to them.

The Information Commissioner was addressing the one-day consultative workshop on child rights organised by Development Association of Nagaland (DAN) on March 31 at DAN training centre, Chümoukedima, on the theme “Ensuring safety of the children in the virtual space: The critical questions.”

Charles said information technology has permeated almost all aspects of human life and that today’s children have better knowledge and access to the digital technology, an update from DAN stated.

“Whereas the technological growth has opened several opportunities for the children, it is also teeming with several dangers. Adults and educators need to enhance their awareness and knowledge to ensure that the children utilise the technology for their benefit and do not fall prey to the many dangers that are posed by them,” he said.

Stating that children of today are the future adults who would lead and guide the progress of the human race, he said it is therefore crucial to protect, guide, educate and to continuously improve the children’s lives in every field.

Charles also maintained that child rights and protection starts from the moment the child is conceived.

Nagaland State Child Protection Society programme manager of training, ICE and advocacy, Raitale Zeliang, highlighted the various strategies adopted in order to ensure the security and safety of the children in the digital world. She elaborated on Mission Vatsalya, its objectives and the interventions.

She also provided inputs on the different schemes and programmes being implemented by the State Child Protection Society and other government agencies and how accesses the same.

Rev. Fr. Sajan Joseph, director of DAN, welcomed the guests and delegates, and Rev Fr. Carolus Neisalhou, vicar general of Kohima diocese, delivered a message.  An introduction to DAN and its initiatives was highlighted by Jiji Joseph, SPO, DAN.

Hiloto, head teacher of GMS Amiphoto, and Rukewete Edemi, vice president of Chizami Students’ Union (CSU), shared their experiences of collaborating with child protection initiatives of DAN.

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