A recent study by Kaspersky found that WhatsApp and YouTube dominate the time children spend on the most popular apps in South Africa. The study, which analyzed anonymized data from Kaspersky Safe Kids users on Android devices and desktop computers, revealed that WhatsApp accounted for 33.8% of the time spent across the 10 most-used apps during the first eight months of 2026. YouTube followed closely at 26.8%, while TikTok and Instagram accounted for 7.8% and 6.8% respectively.
The study also found that multiplayer gaming and communication platforms, such as Roblox, Steam, and Discord, featured among the online resources used by children. However, Kaspersky warned that these platforms can expose young users to various online risks, including grooming, phishing, and cyberbullying. 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.
Childline South Africa has reported a rise in cyberbullying cases, with 105 calls received during its last financial year, a 7.14% increase from the previous reporting period. Bhavna Lutchman, a representative from Childline South Africa, stated that cyberbullying is becoming more visual and viral, with common complaints involving images or videos being recorded or shared without consent and malicious rumors being spread online.
The risks extend beyond cyberbullying to other forms of online exploitation, including sextortion. 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.
Kaspersky also warned that photographs and videos shared online can be repurposed through generative AI to create fabricated content or deepfakes, making children's digital reputation increasingly important. Lutchman advised parents to watch for changes in behavior, such as withdrawal, secrecy around devices, disturbed sleep, or severe distress after using a phone.
Schools also have a role to play in addressing online safety concerns, as online abuse often follows children into classrooms, affecting attendance, concentration, and relationships. Parents and schools are urged to be vigilant and report harmful or exploitative online content. The FPB has encouraged parents and children to report such content, while warning that sextortion cases can involve threats to distribute intimate material unless victims comply with demands.
In light of these findings, parents and caregivers are advised to encourage children not to interact with strangers, share personal photos or sensitive information, or keep online conversations secret. By being aware of the potential risks and taking steps to mitigate them, parents can help ensure their children's online safety and well-being.
Key points
- WhatsApp and YouTube dominate the time children spend on apps in South Africa, accounting for 33.8% and 26.8% of the time spent across the 10 most-used apps respectively.
- Online risks facing children in South Africa include grooming, cyberbullying, phishing, and sextortion.
- Parents and schools are urged to be vigilant and report harmful or exploitative online content to ensure children's online safety and well-being.
