On December 14th, 2024, High Sound for Children (HSC) hosted its highly anticipated Holiday Media Program, designed for young people aged 10 to 24.
This program, a cornerstone of HSC’s mission, aims to teach children and teenagers how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly in today’s fast-paced media landscape. As High Sound for Children Ambassadors, we were honored to participate and had the best of fun and learning!
The theme of this year’s event was “Digital Footprint.” Throughout the various sessions, children learned how to manage and control their digital footprints. A digital footprint refers to the trail of data we leave behind as we interact with the internet and digital technologies. This includes everything from social media posts and online purchases to emails and website visits. As we increasingly live our lives online, it’s essential to be aware of the long-term impact our online activities can have.
HSC’s program emphasized the importance of being critical, analytical, and thoughtful about our digital actions. It encouraged children to be mindful of what they share and how it might affect their future. The key lessons were clear: understanding the consequences of our digital presence is crucial, and we must carefully manage our actions in the online world.
In addition to discussing digital footprints, the program also covered important topics like privacy, the risks of oversharing personal information, and strategies for staying safe online. I learned how vital it is to be cautious with the data we share, the significance of using strong passwords, and the importance of reviewing privacy settings. The event also introduced children to a simple yet effective framework for responsible posting:
T-rue
H-elpful
I-nspiring
N-ecessary
K-ind
This “THINK” rule serves as a guide to making meaningful and positive contributions online, ensuring that our actions in the digital world are thoughtful and beneficial.
However, the program also highlighted the potential risks associated with digital footprints, such as cyber bullying, online predators, and the non-consensual sharing of explicit content. These dangers underscore the need for vigilance and awareness when engaging with digital platforms.
The event featured three insightful speakers: Christopher Kalema, a digital enthusiast, Lucy Mbabazi, a radio journalist and social media influencer and Mr. Walugembe John, a consultant with the World Bank. Each speaker shared valuable experiences, tips, and advice about using social media safely. They also provided career guidance, helping children understand how they can build a positive digital presence while safeguarding their online reputation.
The day was filled with engaging, interactive sessions where children not only listened to the speakers but also took an active role in discussions. The children themselves led many conversations, sharing their thoughts and experiences, which fostered a sense of empowerment. We were also encouraged to present what we had learned, which boosted our confidence and reinforced the lessons from the day.
The Holiday Media Program by High Sound for Children is an invaluable resource for the younger generation, teaching us how to safely and responsibly navigate the media. In a time when many young people lack guidance on these issues, this program provides essential knowledge that can help mitigate the risks associated with internet use. We were also told that the media holiday program is organized in collaboration with Center for media literacy and Community Development and Mama FM, a women focused radio station.
As we reflect on the day, we would strongly encourage both parents and youth to embrace this program. We learnt so much, and the lessons were both practical and beneficial for everyone that participated. Thank you HSC for engaging us.
Achen Stacy and Apio Joseline
High Sound for Children Ambassadors