CHILD ONLINE SAFETY IN TANZANIA: LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSES TO EMERGING SOCIAL MEDIA RISKS
Children’s use of social media exposes them to risks including cyberbullying, online harassment, sexual exploitation, grooming and privacy violations. This study examines the legal and institutional responses to these risks in Tanzania, focusing on the adequacy of existing laws and the responsibilities of relevant institutions.
The study adopts a doctrinal legal approach based on legislation, judicial decisions, international instruments, scholarly publications and institutional reports. It establishes that Tanzania has a legal foundation for child online protection, but challenges remain in institutional coordination, enforcement of platform obligations, identification of offenders and handling of electronic evidence. It recommends stronger implementation of existing laws, improved institutional cooperation and accessible child-friendly reporting mechanisms.
Keywords: child online safety, social media, children’s rights, cybercrime, digital privacy, electronic evidence, Tanzania.
