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 on Friday to religious leaders, parents, teachers, and digital safety experts who attended “The International Missing Children’s Day” symposium in Ngong deliberating on the effects of the internet on young minds, the legislator emphasized the urgent need to regulate children’s access to online content.
Odhiambo, who is also a vocal child rights advocate and legislator, said that young children go missing every year, urging parents to be vigilant and educate their children on responsible internet use.
She shared how before joining parliament, she did a lot of work about online child safety, because there are many people who are predators of children.
Drawing from instances, Odhiambo revealed stories about young individuals who have misused social media such as girls as young as 12 years old communicating with a boy who says he is 15 years old but once they decide to meet, she finds out the person is 34 years who later abducts her and sexually abuses her,” she explained.
In response to these challenges, the MP urged parents to have conversations about when children should be able to access online. “There are horrible people online who want to take advantage of young children.” She pointed out.
She further called upon policymakers to enact and enforce laws that protect children from online exploitation and cyberbullying, emphasizing that it’s everyone’s responsibility to create a safe digital environment for Kenyan children.
The MP has been a staunch advocate for children’s rights. In January 2025, she challenged parents to take the lead in combating cyberbullying and misuse of social media about their children.
Her continued efforts aim to foster a safer digital environment for children, encouraging collective responsibility among parents, educators, and policymakers.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, in partnership with stakeholders, published a booklet entailing measures that seek to protect school-going children from online bullying.
By Faith Michael
