On September 26, 2024, PESACO successfully conducted a cyberbullying awareness session at Barbro Johansson Model Girls' Secondary School, located in the Luguruni area of Dar es Salaam, 28km from the City Centre in Kwembe ward, approximately 3km south of the Morogoro highway.

This initiative was part of PESACO’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the harmful effects of cyberbullying among adolescents. Over 36 students from Forms I to VI attended the event, which was designed to equip them with knowledge on identifying, preventing, and reporting cyberbullying.

The session began with group discussions among students, who then presented their insights on cyberbullying. This initial activity aimed to assess their awareness and understanding of the topic. Following their presentations, Advocate Catherine Oscar from PESACO delivered a comprehensive presentation to sharpen and clarify the students' perspectives.

She covered various topics, including the definition of cyberbullying, its characteristics and forms, reasons it occurs, potential effects, and ways to respond to cyberbullying. Mr. Mfaume Hassan then joined to explain the legal framework surrounding cyberbullying, helping students understand the laws that protect them. In the next session, Social Welfare Officer Madam Jacqueline Mallya from Ubungo Municipality provided advice and support strategies for victims of cyberbullying.

The final session was led by Inspector of Police Judith Maimu, who guided students on the steps to take when faced with cyberbullying cases. Each session concluded with a question-and-answer segment, allowing students to engage further with the experts and deepen their understanding of this critical issue.One student, shared how she had witnessed a friend become a victim of cyberbullying on social media.

She expressed gratitude for the session, saying, “I didn’t know how to help her before, but now I feel empowered to support my friends and report any incidents of bullying. Students were encouraged to be responsible digital citizens and use their platforms to promote kindness and empathy.

By the end of the session, teachers and students committed to passing on the knowledge they had gained. They pledged to share these lessons with fellow students through school clubs and morning speeches, ensuring a continued dialogue on cyber safety. PESACO would like to express its sincere gratitude to Barbro Johansson Model Girls' Secondary School for welcoming the initiative and providing a space for the students to learn and grow.

The school’s active participation played a crucial role in making this event a success. We hope that the students take the lessons learned and apply them not only in their online lives but also in their offline interactions.