The Cameroonian telecoms department is currently establishing an online privacy protection charter for underage children across the country. The tool is aimed at keeping them away from the dangers on the Internet at a time when they are very exposed.

“The digital world is full of opportunities but can also be harmful, especially to children and young girls in particular,” said Marie Thérèse Abena Ondoa, Minister of Women's Empowerment and the Family. Last October 11, on the occasion of the international day of the girl child, Marie Thérèse Abena Ondoa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to work for the respect of the dignity of the girl on the Internet. As a reminder, many videos of a sexual nature featuring students, including mostly underage girls, have been shared on social media in recent weeks.

"The image of the Cameroonian girl has been negatively associated in recent months with obscene publications on the Internet, thus violating her dignity and moral integrity. Many girls use digital technology in a bad way for dating purposes that expose them to cases of violation of their dignity or their fundamental rights," the minister said.

Marie Thérèse Abena Ondoa called for a decent use of digital tools, urging parents to “control and limit, where appropriate, the use of smartphones and other devices" for their children.

P.N.N