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Guard kids against Mxit

THE dangers that Mxit pose to our young people cannot be overemphasised.

THE dangers that Mxit pose to our young people cannot be overemphasised.

We regularly hear and read stories of young girls who are wooed by older men.

Some of these girls are kidnapped and even killed.

Though cellphones are a highly convenient means of communication, the obsession with text messaging created by Mxit is endangering both the safety and social development of the youth.

There are criminals and paedophiles who prey on unsuspecting and vulnerable children out there.

Children also miss the opportunity to socially interact with their peers and family members on a one-on-one basis because their eyes are constantly fixed on their cellphones and their fingers constantly typing text messages.

This denies young people a chance to enhance their social skills that can only be gained from such interactions.

Even at night when their parents think that they are fast asleep or studying, many young people are busy sending and receiving Mxit messages under their blankets.

Now, more than ever before, parents need to create time to sit with their children and monitor their activities to ensure that untoward behaviour is aligned timeously.

Otherwise Mxit will take over the parenting of their children.

Emmanuel Matsebatlela, Pretoria

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