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Internet Safety & Child Protection

Practical guidance for staying safe online and protecting children, with trusted South African and international resources. Tap a section to expand it.

CiTiFi (Pty) Ltd · A safer internet · Last updated July 2026

A few simple habits protect you against most online threats:

  • Use strong, unique passwords. A good method is three random words (for example, coffee-harbour-pencil). Use a password manager so you don’t have to remember them all.
  • Turn on two-step verification (2FA) for important accounts — email, banking and social media.
  • Keep your devices updated. Install software and security updates promptly; they fix the flaws attackers use.
  • Be alert to phishing and scams. Don’t click links or open attachments you didn’t expect. Banks and reputable companies never ask for your password or PIN.
  • Back up important data so you can recover if a device is lost, stolen or infected.

Trusted guides:

Children get the most out of the internet when parents and caregivers stay involved. Practical steps:

  • Talk openly and often. Agree what’s okay to do, share and download, and make it easy for your child to tell you if something worries them.
  • Use parental controls to set age-appropriate content filters and screen-time limits on devices and apps.
  • Keep devices in shared spaces for younger children, and know which apps and games they use.
  • Check age ratings before allowing an app, game or service.

Parental-control tools:

Guidance for parents and children:

If a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 10111.

If unlawful or harmful content is hosted in South Africa, it can be reported for take-down. ISPA is the recognised industry take-down agent. See our Take-down notices page, or ISPA’s guide: https://ispa.org.za/consumer-support/take-down-notices/

For any online-safety concern relating to your CiTiFi service, email support@citifi.co.za.