Child rights organizations and teachers’ unions in Burundi are expressing growing concern over the uncontrolled use of digital technologies by students, warning that unrestricted access to online content could negatively affect children’s education and future development.
The coalition Education for All (Bafashebige) says that while digital tools have become increasingly essential in modern learning, their misuse poses significant risks to young users.
“The 21st century is an era driven by speed and connectivity through the internet. Unfortunately, children can easily become distracted by digital devices such as smartphones and computers,” said Jean Samandari, president of the coalition.
According to Samandari, many students use these technologies for purposes unrelated to their studies.
“Instead of using these tools to support their education, children may spend their time on other activities. By the end of the school year, this can lead to poor academic performance or even failure,” he warned.
The coalition is urging the government, particularly the Ministry of Education, to take preventive measures before the situation worsens.
“The Ministry of Education should act now, while Burundi is still in the early stages of integrating digital technology into education compared to more developed countries where learning through digital tools is already widespread,” Samandari said.
He stressed the need for awareness campaigns to educate children about both the benefits and potential dangers of digital technologies.
“Children need guidance to understand that while these tools are useful, they can also create serious problems if used irresponsibly,” he added.
Similar concerns have been raised by the National Federation of Child Rights Organizations in Burundi (FENADEB), which advocates for stronger parental involvement in monitoring children’s online activities.
Ferdinand Simbaruhije, spokesperson for FENADEB, said many harmful behaviors observed among young people on social media stem from inadequate parental supervision.
“Many of the negative behaviors adopted by children on social networks can be traced back to a lack of parental guidance and insufficient vigilance regarding children’s use of digital technologies,” he said.
According to Simbaruhije, some parents mistakenly view online platforms as harmless without fully understanding their potential impact on children’s psychosocial development.
“Excessive use of digital platforms can have a range of cognitive and social consequences for children,” he explained.
Teachers’ unions have also voiced concern about the potential dangers associated with uncontrolled use of digital technologies, even while acknowledging their educational value.
“It is important that Burundian children are not left behind in the use of modern technologies,” said Antoine Manuma, president of the National Federation of Education Sector Unions in Burundi (FENASEB).
“However, parents and educators must remain vigilant to ensure moral values are respected and that students do not become distracted by online content at the expense of learning and knowledge acquisition,” he added.
Parents themselves are increasingly worried about children’s exposure to inappropriate online content.
“More young people today are using new technologies to share shocking or inappropriate content,” said a parent in Bujumbura, who noted that monitoring what children access online remains a major challenge.
Although mobile phones are officially prohibited in Burundian schools, it is common to see post-primary students carrying smartphones while wearing school uniforms.
The Ministry of Education has acknowledged the issue and says it is among its priorities.
“We have observed this situation as well,” said Jean Christo Irambona, spokesperson for the ministry, on Tuesday.
“This issue is among our priorities, and appropriate measures will be taken,” he added.
