Use social media with care, Theofelus urges

Information and communication technology minister Emma Theofelus has urged young people to use social media with care to avoid missing out on opportunities or a job because of a post from years ago.She was speaking at a cross-border International Youth Day commemoration event - organised by the youth ministry, with technical and financial support from United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Namibia through its ‘Safeguard young people’ programme - at Helao Nafidi in the Ohangwena Region on Monday afternoon.Theofelus said young people should be aware that posts remain on the internet long after they’ve forgotten about them.Losing out on opportunitiesShe explained that whether a post is good or bad, it stays online. “The danger comes when you post something that is not good and now you are looking for a job. You have criticised [someone], whether justified or not. Now it turns out that this person can be your potential employer. “They quickly go through your Facebook feed and go through your tweets and Instagram and they find some unsavoury comments that you made that have the potential to have opportunities pass you by. We must use social media responsibly or we will lose out on opportunities,” she said to a round of applause from the audience. Theofelus said the government remains committed to protecting citizens&#039; rights and freedoms, but added that such rights should not be abused. Youthful nationUNFPA country representative Erika Goldson said the preliminary census statistics show that 71% of Namibia’s population is under 35, which presents an opportunity to invest in a youthful nation.She said the digital revolution offers unprecedented opportunities for young people to become innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders on the global stage. By leveraging digital technology, they can create more inclusive and sustainable economic growth, ensure access to quality education and healthcare, and empower young people to actively participate in shaping the future of the nation, Goldson said.“Young people have the power to make our digital and physical world more just, equal, peaceful and safe: This future is at their fingertips. As content creators, digital activists and global citizens, young people are using technology to expose injustice, debunk misinformation and stand up to oppression.”Goldson also added that to ensure young people’s right to exist safely online, societies must equip them with the skills, services and information necessary to benefit from the best of digital technology while mitigating the risk of harm.“We must also work to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that youth in rural areas, young women and marginalised groups are not left behind in this digital transformation. Inclusion must be at the heart of our efforts if we are to harness the full potential of our demographic dividend.”– tuyeimo@namibiansun.com

Use social media with care, Theofelus urges

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-12

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Use social media with care, Theofelus urges

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-12

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