Interactive e-learning initiative equips learners to earn their first smart device responsibly amid rising online risks
Johannesburg, 2026 – One third of South African children face the risk of online violence, exploitation, or abuse, according to a 2022 report from UNICEF. Globally, experts in education, psychology, child protection, and law enforcement are raising urgent concerns about children’s exposure to online harms, as digital environments become an increasingly significant part of young people’s lives.
In response, Prof Anke de Beer has launched the Smart Device Licence, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to prepare learners to use smart devices more carefully. The name is deliberate, like a learner’s licence for driving, signalling readiness before entering a complex digital world.
Why This Matters
Children are online more than ever. Social media, messaging apps, and endless content promise connection and entertainment, but they also bring exposure to predators, scams, and harmful content.
“When you give your child a smart device, you don’t just give them access to the world. You give the world access to your child,” says Prof Anke.
“The Smart Device Licence is about turning that access into a valuable skill for navigating the digital world responsibly.”
The initiative was developed with input from a wide range of experts, including educators, psychologists, and child protection specialists, ensuring it addresses real online risks in a practical and accessible way.
How It Works
The Smart Device Licence is an interactive e-learning platform where learners progress through structured modules covering:
– Digital citizenship
– Privacy protection
– Cyberbullying recognition
– Responsible social media use
Healthy device habits
There are two levels:
– Junior Licence – for primary school learners, focusing on healthy device habits, avoiding harmful content, and responsible digital behaviour
– Senior Licence – for high school learners, covering adult content, sharing personal images or messages, cyberbullying, privacy, and the psychology of digital addiction.
Learners complete modules, take quizzes, and participate in practical exercises. Those who finish receive an official Smart Device Licence certificate. Schools such as Rabboni Christian School in Brits are already using the platform.
The programme is voluntary, the licence is a milestone, not a legal requirement.
Access
The Smart Device Licence is available to schools, parents, and learners across South Africa.
Discussions are underway with organisations including the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), the Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysersunie (SAOU), the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS), and Independent Christian Organisations (ICO), to expand access nationally.
“The interest we’ve received from schools and parents has been overwhelming,” says Prof Anke. “It shows just how important it is for children to be prepared before entering the digital world.”
The licence fee is R115 (including VAT), which provides full access to all modules, exercises, and quizzes. Content will be updated regularly to reflect emerging apps, digital trends, and legislation.