Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) has called for partnerships with media regulators and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to promote value based education and responsible digital behaviour.
Recently, Zambia has experienced a sharp increase in the circulation of obscene materials involving public figures, youths and celebrities on social media platforms.
In an interview with Lusaka Star, CCZ Chairperson Father Emmanuel Chikoya described the trend as a sign of moral decay in society.
“The Church speaks truth to both power and culture, and unchecked misconduct risks pushing the nation into a deeper moral crisis,” Fr. Chikoya said.
He noted that many public figures are prioritising fame over dignity and called for a renewed focus on ethical leadership.
Fr. Chikoya advised young people to be mindful of their actions, adding that the Church has played its role in teaching Christians about morality and living a God fearing life.
Meanwhile, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has warned that the involvement of celebrities in obscene material has far-reaching consequences for both families and communities.
Families Are Nations, Representative Judith Mwila emphasised that children and teenagers exposed to such content may develop distorted views of identity, relationships, and self-worth.
“Families are the first churches and schools for every human being. Parents must take the lead in training children in the way they should go,” Ms. Mwila said.
She called for more parenting workshops, school-based media literacy programmes, and stronger content regulation on media platforms to combat the spread of harmful material.