Keep children away from dirty politics

The aura of the headline above may have stimulated you to read this article because of the way it has been presented or who has presented it to you. 

That’s the ultimate goal of persuasion; stirring you up to like or dislike something.

But as that isn’t enough, the credibility of the one persuading you to give a thumbs up or down to something matters most.

As Malawi prepares for the September 16 General Elections, there’s something we must keep our eyes on.

Our focus shouldn’t just be drawn at podium machinations by political actors, but the political messaging on social media.

If you are a regular social media user, you must have come across videos of children saying something to do with politics or current state of affairs, especially the economy.

There are some unknow social media users who now use children to stimulate others into liking or disliking certain politicians or individual parties in general.

So far, I have watched at least five videos of children on social media involved in activities aimed at trying to influence or push a certain political narrative.

The latest was on Monday this week, when a young child was filmed saying the current administration must be voted out because his father can’t afford to give him three meals a day because of the economic meltdown the country is faced with.

What is astonishing, however, is that an adult is heard in the background asking the boy questions. Looking at the age child, it’s skeptical that he would have the ability reason that way—someone must have coached him. 

Previously, what drew us as children to politics was the urge to get mesmerized with gule wa mkulu at a political rally, watching musicians perform or have a glimpse of the president’s helicopter plane.

But now, children are directly involved in partisan political discourse, though not formally by political parties.

Social media now allows sympathizers of political parties to generate political messages using children, with the aim of influencing voters.

But this a breach of child protection laws in Malawi whose purpose are to prevent and respond to all forms of violence, abuse and exploitation of children.

The Child Care, Justice and Protection Act (2010) consolidate all children protection programmes in Malawi.  

In this case therefore, those coercing children to record campaign content are violating the law and they must be punished according.

Look, these are children who know nothing about politics, but somebody coaches them to say things that they can’t comprehend.

This is exploitation and it must stop forthwith.

So, who must put this to an end?

Simple: political parties must ensure their sympathizers desist from taking videos of children. Should they find them doing it, they must be reported to the police.

To the perpetrators, immediately cease the exploitation of children. Such acts are harmful and not in the best interest of children.

Besides that, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) must be strict on the adherence to campaign rules and regulations by political actors as we prepare for the General Elections.

Malawi Police Service (MPS) and the Malawi Communications and Regulatory Authority (MACRA) must corroboratively work to ensure that children are protected from cyber harms.

The Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Act (2017) is a legal framework that gives mandate to these two institutions to ensure that children are safe online.

A message to parents; never allow your children to be filmed for social media political campaign content. Refrain from taking children to party campaign activities and rallies.

To all social media users, please don’t share or post such content.

Before you hit the share or like button ask yourself, “what if this was my child?” Ignore it or just delete such videos.

In so doing, you will help keep children away from politics. Children’s rights must be respected and protected all the time.