In a landmark event held on Safer Internet Day (‘SID’) in February this year, the Online Safety Commission (‘OSC’), in partnership with ChildFund Australia, proudly announced the launch of the Swipe Safe Training Project in partnership and funded through UNICEF. This initiative aims to bolster digital safety for children and young people, marking a significant advancement in our collective efforts to foster a secure online environment.

The Swipe Safe Training Project, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (‘MOU’) signed in April 2024, introduces the Swipe Safe Training and App—an innovative tool designed to support a safer digital experience for children globally. The app is central to our holistic approach, which focuses on empowering young people to develop self-protective skills while enhancing the support systems around them, including families, community leaders, and government bodies going forward.

Key Components of the Swipe Safe Model and the Online Safety Commission

Prevention: 

Empowering Young People: The Swipe Safe model prioritizes the development of online safety knowledge and skills among children and young people. By fostering a deep understanding of digital risks and safe practices, we aim to equip them to navigate the online world with confidence.

Supporting Adults and Professionals: Through the Swipe Safe Training Project, the OSC will extend the approach to parents, carers, and frontline professionals such as teachers, police officers, community leaders, and religious figures. Providing these individuals with the tools and knowledge necessary to support and guide children is crucial for creating a robust protective network. 

Response:

Strengthening Support Systems: The Swipe Safe Project also focuses on enhancing referral pathways within communities and government agencies. This ensures that children and young people who experience online harm have immediate and effective access to support services. Collaboration with stakeholders will streamline the process of providing assistance and intervention when needed.

Training and Implementation: 

The OSC is currently training a dedicated group of Online Safety Champions who will lead the implementation of the Swipe Safe training in a pilot program across ten selected schools in Fiji. This phase will allow us to refine the approach and ensure its effectiveness in real-world settings. The champions will be instrumental in delivering the training, guiding students and staff through the Swipe Safe model, and fostering a culture of online safety within these schools. We are exploring ways the Swipe Safe App can increase the reach of this high quality training.

Statements from Key Figures: 

Acting Commissioner, Tajeshwari Devi, commented on the launch: “The Swipe Safe Training Project represents a pivotal moment in our mission to enhance online safety for our children. By integrating preventative education with responsive support, we are creating a comprehensive framework that will better protect young people in the digital space. Our collaboration with ChildFund Australia is a testament to the strength of our combined efforts to ensure a safer online environment.”

April Turner, Senior Child Protection Advisor at ChildFund Australia, added: “We are excited to partner with the OSC on this important initiative. The Swipe Safe App and training model reflect our shared commitment to child protection and digital safety. Together, we are taking meaningful steps toward safeguarding children and empowering them to handle online challenges effectively.”

Looking Ahead: 

The OSC, along with ChildFund, remains dedicated to advancing online safety and ensuring that every child and young person can enjoy a secure and supportive digital environment. We are confident that the Swipe Safe Training Project will serve as a model for future initiatives and contribute significantly to the well-being of children across Fiji and beyond.

ENDS