A recent analysis by Kaspersky found that WhatsApp and YouTube dominated the online activity of children in South Africa, accounting for 33.8% and 26.8% of the time spent on the 10 most popular mobile apps, respectively. The findings, based on anonymised data from Kaspersky Safe Kids users on Android devices and desktop computers, highlight the need for increased awareness about online safety. The data, which covers the first eight months of 2026, provides insight into the online habits of South African children.
The Kaspersky report warns of rising risks, including grooming, cyberbullying, sextortion, and AI-generated abuse, associated with online platforms. According to Andrey Sidenko, Kaspersky's head of child online safety, malicious actors can pose as peers or use information children have shared on social media to gain their trust. This can lead to serious consequences, including the sharing of personal images or videos, arranging meetings, blackmail, or involvement in harmful or illegal activities.
Childline South Africa has reported a 7.14% increase in cyberbullying cases, with 105 calls received during its last financial year. Bhavna Lutchman, a representative of Childline South Africa, noted that cyberbullying is becoming increasingly visual and viral, with common complaints involving images or videos being recorded or shared without consent and malicious rumours being spread online. The organisation has also received reports of an Instagram and WhatsApp account allegedly exposing minors' private information.
The risks associated with online exploitation extend beyond cyberbullying to other forms of abuse. The Film and Publication Board (FPB) has described sextortion as a form of online child sexual exploitation and abuse affecting South Africa. The FPB recently welcomed the arrest of a South African suspect allegedly linked to an international digital sextortion syndicate. Parents and children are urged to report harmful or exploitative online content.
Kaspersky also warns that photographs and videos shared online can be repurposed through generative AI to create fabricated content or deepfakes. This makes children's digital reputation increasingly important, as publicly shared material can later be altered or reused in ways that affect their privacy, safety, or reputation. The use of AI-generated content poses new challenges for online safety and highlights the need for increased awareness and caution.
Parents play a crucial role in protecting their children from online risks. Lutchman advises parents to watch for changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal, secrecy around devices, disturbed sleep, or severe distress after using a phone. Schools also have a role to play, as online abuse often follows children into classrooms, affecting attendance, concentration, and relationships.
The warnings from Kaspersky and Childline South Africa highlight the need for increased awareness and action to protect children from online risks. Key measures include encouraging children not to interact with strangers, share personal photos or sensitive information, or keep online conversations secret. By working together, parents, schools, and organisations can help ensure a safer online environment for children.
Key points
- WhatsApp and YouTube dominate children's app usage in South Africa, accounting for 33.8% and 26.8% of the time spent on the 10 most popular mobile apps, respectively.
- Cyberbullying cases have increased by 7.14% in South Africa, with 105 calls received by Childline South Africa during its last financial year.
- The use of generative AI poses new challenges for online safety, as photographs and videos shared online can be repurposed to create fabricated content or deepfakes.
