In recognition of Safer Internet Day, a global initiative promoting a safer and more responsible digital world, Humaine, the human-centric AI marketing agency, is sponsoring the MySociaLife Hero Program, an initiative that provides free digital citizenship and online safety training to South African primary schools. This partnership is part of Humaine’s wider commitment to promoting ethical technology use, particularly for vulnerable user groups like children.
The internet is an integral part of childhood today, offering young people opportunities to learn, connect, and explore. But alongside these benefits come serious risks—cyberbullying, digital addiction, privacy breaches, and exposure to harmful content. Many children navigate this digital world without the necessary education to protect themselves, and for many schools, limited budgets mean online safety training is out of reach.
Sometimes, the Internet is ‘Too Good To Be True’
Safer Internet Day is an annual event that encourages individuals, organisations, and governments to work together for a better digital future. With the 2025 theme focused on ‘Too Good To Be True’, and empowering young people with digital literacy skills, Humaine’s sponsorship of the Hero Program aligns with the global mission to create a safer and more inclusive online environment.
Technology has changed childhood. Social media, gaming, and online platforms are designed to capture attention, often exposing children to age-inappropriate content, cyber threats, and manipulative algorithms. A lack of education on privacy settings, digital footprints, and online etiquette leaves young users vulnerable.
Despite these challenges, online safety education remains underfunded and inaccessible in many schools, particularly in lower-income areas. Without structured guidance, children learn through trial and error, a risky approach in an environment where one mistake can have long-term consequences.
“Children today are growing up in a digital world that was never designed with their well-being in mind,” says Grant Hillary, Managing Director at Humaine. “They’re engaging with AI-powered platforms daily, but they lack the skills to navigate them safely. Our sponsorship of MySociaLife’s Hero Program ensures that more young people get the education they need to stay safe online.”
How the Hero Program Helps
The MySociaLife Hero Program provides free digital literacy and online safety training to primary school students, covering essential topics such as:
- Cyberbullying Awareness – Recognising, preventing, and reporting online harassment.
- Digital Addiction Management – Understanding screen time habits and setting healthy boundaries.
- Privacy Protection – Learning how to safeguard personal information and avoid scams.
- Critical Thinking Online – Identifying misinformation and developing responsible social media habits.
By reaching schools that previously lacked access to digital education, the program ensures that students, no matter their background, receive the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the online world safely.
Beyond Sponsorship: AI Solutions for Online Safety
Humaine’s involvement in online safety goes beyond funding. As an AI-driven marketing agency, it is also exploring AI-powered tools that could enhance digital well-being and online security for young users. These include:
- Content Moderation Tools: AI that detects and filters harmful content, reducing exposure to inappropriate material.
- Privacy Protection Mechanisms: Smart technology that helps users safeguard personal data and avoid online scams.
- Digital Wellness Apps: AI-powered solutions that encourage healthier screen time habits and reduce digital addiction.
“We see AI as part of the solution,” says Hillary. “The same technology that creates risks online can also be used to protect and educate young users. Our goal is to support solutions that make the digital world safer for children.”
A Broader Commitment to Human-Centric Technology
Humaine’s support for the Hero Program is part of a bigger conversation about the role of technology in society. As AI continues to shape digital experiences, companies must take responsibility for the impact their technologies have, especially on young and vulnerable users.
Hillary stresses the need for businesses to think beyond profit:
“It’s no longer enough for companies to build technology that captures attention. They need to build technology that protects, educates, and empowers. AI should be a force for good, not just a tool for engagement.”
In addition to its sponsorship, Humaine is actively working with educators, parents, and policymakers to promote digital safety awareness. The agency is also leveraging its AI marketing expertise to develop public campaigns that encourage more thoughtful and responsible digital engagement.
“Our work in AI marketing is about making human-centric choices,” Hillary adds. “Supporting initiatives like MySociaLife allows us to extend that ethos into education and online safety, where it’s urgently needed.”
Looking Ahead: A Safer Digital Future for South African Youth
With the Hero Program set to reach thousands of students in 2025, Humaine is taking a proactive role in ensuring that digital education is accessible, impactful, and ethical. By combining AI-driven innovation with human-centred ethics, the agency is helping shape a future where technology empowers, educates, and protects young users, rather than exploiting them.
As conversations about AI ethics and digital responsibility continue to evolve, Humaine is leading by example, proving that technology and humanity can work together to create a safer, more informed digital world.
By supporting Safer Internet Day through real action, Humaine demonstrates that companies can, and should, play a vital role in protecting and educating the next generation of digital citizens.
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To register for the Hero Program: Click here
