The Vanuatu Cricket Association has joined forces with the police to highlight the issue of cyber violence in the country to school children.
Social Impact and Inclusion Program Ambassadors and Vanuatu Police with students from Ecole Publique de Centre Ville. Photo: Vanuatu Cricket Association
The Association has now organised for the Appeal Against Violence programme to be presented to 68 students in years four and five, teaching them how to be safe online, and how to identify and report cyber violence.
Cyber violence is when harm is caused, threatened or facilitated online - including bullying, psychological, sexual or financial harm.
The lessons were presented as a series of short skits highlighting both safe practices and the dangers of using social media, particularly Facebook, which is the largest social media platform in Vanuatu.
It was delivered by a group of Social Impact and Inclusion Program ambassadors, funded through the Australian Government's 'Team Up' program.
One skit encouraged children to add or accept friend requests only from people they know and trust, and to say no to friend requests from strangers.
The cyber crime unit of the Vanuatu Police Force said children should understand what they are signing up for online, and ask an adult for help if they are unsure. It said they should only talk to people they trust and know online, learn how to block and report people online, and make sure to secure their social media privacy settings with support from an adult.
Vanuatu Cricket Association ambassadors performing the 'Friend Request' Skit. Photo: Vanuatu Cricket Association
In addition to the skits, the cyber crime unit of the Vanuatu Police Force explained the risks of social media and ways in which children and anyone who is active online can protect themselves from cyber violence, and how they can ensure that they are not contributing to cyber violence when using social media platforms.
The kids were also taught basic cricket skills for batting, bowling, and fielding, to encourage sport as a vital part of children's development and learning in school or in their communities.