Cyber-Safety Awareness Campaign

UFS Hosts Cyber Safety Awareness Programme Across All Campuses

From 6–8 August 2025, the Division of Student Affairs, through the Social Support Office, successfully hosted the Cyber Safety Awareness Programme across all University of the Free State (UFS) campuses. This initiative brought together students, experts, and key stakeholders to address pressing digital threats, including online gambling, unsafe trading practices, and online bullying.

Empowering Students Through Awareness

The programme provided an open platform for students to engage with specialists and gain a deeper understanding of how digital risks impact not only their finances but also their mental health and overall wellbeing. Students were encouraged to develop practical strategies to navigate the digital space safely and responsibly.

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Key Stakeholders and Contributions

Building a Culture of Digital Responsibility

The Cyber Safety Awareness Programme underscored the urgent need for digital responsibility among students. By combining expert insights with lived experiences, the initiative empowered students to take proactive steps to protect themselves online. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the programme reaffirmed UFS’s commitment to safeguarding students’ mental, financial, and social wellbeing, ensuring that they thrive both on campus and in the digital world.

The Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office (GEADO) highlighted the negative effects of online bullying on mental health and self-confidence, urging students to seek support when confronted with harassment. UFS Protection Services emphasised the importance of reporting misconduct, whether online or offline, to foster safer campus environments.

UNIBS explored the psychological dimensions of cybersafety, including the emotional toll of online harassment, identity theft, and cyberbullying. Practical guidance was shared on coping with stress, managing anxiety, and accessing peer support and counselling services. ICT Services provided crucial advice on avoiding unsafe QR codes, risky online trading, and gambling platforms. A compelling video testimony from a student who lost funds to online gambling reinforced the real-life consequences of digital exploitation.

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