Minister Urges Youth to Use Social Media Responsibly
By Patricia John
The Central Equatoria State Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Hon. Bush Buse, has urged young people to practice responsible advocacy on social media, emphasizing constructive engagement over division.
Acknowledging the growing use of digital platforms to express public concerns, Hon. Buse noted that youth have become influential voices in promoting accountability and shaping civic discourse. However, the minister expressed concern over online campaigns that target public figures through insults, misinformation, and personal attacks.
While citizens have a right to demand accountability, he stressed that advocacy must remain respectful.
“Advocacy is a powerful tool for positive change when it is based on facts, respect, and a genuine desire to improve society,” Hon. Buse said. “Young people should use social media platforms to engage in meaningful discussions, present evidence-based arguments, and contribute solutions to the challenges facing our communities.”
The minister encouraged youth to verify information before sharing it, warning that false narratives damage reputations, fuel tensions, and undermine peacebuilding efforts. Responsible digital citizenship, he noted, requires individuals to consider the real-world impact of their online actions.
Hon. Buse also reminded young people to respect lawful authority while exercising their democratic rights. Referencing the biblical passage Romans 13:1, he stated that citizens should recognize established institutions while engaging leaders through peaceful means.
“Respect for authority does not mean remaining silent about challenges in society,” he explained. “It means addressing concerns in a manner that upholds dignity, promotes dialogue, and strengthens our democratic values.”
Highlighting youth as essential partners in South Sudan’s future, the minister urged them to leverage their energy and creativity online to promote peace and development rather than hatred and division. He called for collaborative, community-driven solutions that cross political, ethnic, and social lines.
Hon. Buse concluded by challenging all social media users to elevate public discourse through responsibility.
“Let us use our voices to build bridges, not walls. Through respectful dialogue and responsible advocacy, we can contribute to a stronger and more united South Sudan,” he said.
