Kwale parents have been urged to take control of the content their children consume on the digital space.
Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo and county director of children Zaphania Apoko said though technology should be embraced to improve knowledge, parents should monitor how their children are using the internet.
They warned that children are being exposed to various risks associated with the digital world such as online sexual exploitation, child trafficking, and pornography.
"As we embrace technology, we must ensure the digital tools are used for the right purpose and not to put our children in danger," Kombo said.
He said parents must be vigilant about their children's online activities to protect them from predators who are increasing as new trends of technology emerge.
Kombo said technology should be key in building capacity of children on various sexual and child labour violations and not in destroying their future.
"The smartphones when not correctly used can damage the lives of our children because pornography contents and harmful materials have flooded the internet," he said.
Apoko said the young people might fall victim to cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, or child labour right under the parents or guardians watch if not careful.
He said in Kwale, they have received cases of school children being trafficked for sex.
Apoko said some children from Nairobi have found themselves stranded after meeting online friends who ask them to travel to Kwale or vice versa.
"We have rescued several children, who come to meet friends they have never seen but met online," he said.
The officer said the children's department always acts swiftly before the victims are sexually violated or harmed.
He said parents should stay vigilant because malicious people have found a way to radicalise and run religious indoctrination activities using technology.
Apoko also revealed that cases of teen pregnancies and early marriages in the region have declined.
He, however, said, incidents of sexual relationships between minors have increased in the county.
Apoko warned parents against abdicating their roles and actively disciplining and counselling their children to be morally upright citizens.
"Parents play a crucial role in shaping up the future of their children. So don't relinquish the responsibilities," he said.
Apoko said the war on teen pregnancies is still on and through awareness and sensitisation campaigns they have continued to reduce the cases.
The officer said victims are now coming out to report the cases and justice is served.
