At Abraham Kriel Children’s Home, our children, like others, are growing up in a time where social media is an integral part of their daily lives. We are committed to teaching them how to use and manage social media responsibly.

Children aged 14 and older may apply to acquire a mobile phone for personal use. However, before they are allowed to have a phone, they undergo thorough training on the responsible use of social media. During this training, both the benefits and risks of social media are explained comprehensively.

To ensure accountability, the children sign a contract alongside their social worker and child care worker. This contract includes guidelines on how much time they may spend on social media, which platforms they are allowed to use, and what constitutes acceptable social media etiquette.

The children’s home provides internet access via Wi-Fi, which is protected by certain programmes to ensure that the children do not have access to inappropriate or harmful content. Although there are protective measures in place, it is not entirely possible to control social media usage. When children misuse their social media privileges or use it in ways that harm themselves or others, their access can be suspended. These situations are treated as learning opportunities, where social workers review the dangers and potential misuse of social media with the children before granting them access again.

Some of our teenagers learn through trial and error how to manage social media responsibly. However, this is exactly what the protected learning environment is designed for. It remains our responsibility and privilege to guide our children in mastering this essential life skill.

Maria Venter
Social Worker