The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a major initiative aimed at improving children’s online safety as internet usage continues to rise among young people across the country.
The effort, led by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, involves public consultations to gather opinions from parents, educators, youth groups, and digital experts on regulating access to social media platforms.
According to the ministry, the consultations aim to develop a balanced policy framework that protects minors from online risks while still allowing them to benefit from the educational, social, and creative opportunities provided by the internet.
This step reflects growing global concern about the potential dangers children face when using digital platforms without proper safeguards.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, highlighted the need for proactive measures to protect young internet users.
He noted that while the internet can support learning, communication, and creative expression, it also exposes children to cyberbullying, harmful content, online exploitation, and the misuse of personal data.
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence further complicate these risks, creating new challenges for online child protection.
“The safety of children in the digital space is paramount,” Tijani said.
“We want to ensure that our policies not only prevent harm but also provide a framework where children can safely explore the educational and social benefits of technology.”
To achieve this, the government is seeking public input on several proposed measures, including implementing minimum age restrictions for social media use, introducing stronger age-verification systems, increasing accountability for digital platforms, and enforcing stricter regulatory oversight.
The ministry emphasized that feedback from parents, teachers, and young people will be crucial in shaping policies that are both effective and practical.
If adopted, Nigeria would join a growing number of countries that have implemented strict controls to improve children’s online safety.
For example, Australia introduced a ban in December 2025 that restricts social media access for users under 16, affecting platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Indonesia has announced similar plans to prohibit social media use for children under 16, while Denmark is preparing legislation to bar children under 15 from using these platforms.
France has also taken significant steps, with lawmakers recently approving a bill that prevents children under 15 from accessing social media.
President Emmanuel Macron has supported the measure, citing concerns about excessive screen time, mental health, and online exploitation.
These international examples offer lessons and best practices that Nigeria can consider when formulating its own regulations.
Experts stress that enhancing children’s online safety is not solely the responsibility of governments.
Social media companies, educators, and parents all play a critical role in creating a safer digital environment.
Stronger platform accountability, including the enforcement of community standards and rapid response to harmful content, is essential to protect young users.
Schools and parents must also educate children about responsible internet use and equip them with the skills to recognize and avoid online dangers.
The Nigerian government’s consultations will also examine how new technologies, including artificial intelligence, affect children’s online safety.
While AI-powered tools offer innovative ways to learn and create, they can also be misused to generate harmful content, manipulate children, or collect sensitive data without consent.
The ministry aims to integrate safeguards that address both current and emerging threats in a comprehensive policy framework.
In addition to regulatory measures, public awareness campaigns are planned to inform parents, guardians, and educators about online risks and how to mitigate them.
By involving multiple stakeholders, the government hopes to build a culture of responsible digital citizenship, ensuring that children can enjoy the benefits of the internet without compromising their safety or privacy.
The initiative underscores Nigeria’s commitment to keeping pace with global standards in digital governance while prioritizing the welfare of its youngest citizens.
By adopting evidence-based regulations, engaging stakeholders, and enforcing platform accountability, the country aims to create an online environment where children can safely explore, learn, and socialize.
With consultations ongoing, Nigerians are encouraged to participate in shaping the country’s approach to children’s online safety, ensuring that the resulting policies reflect local realities while aligning with international best practices.
The ministry plans to review feedback carefully before finalizing guidelines that could influence the future of social media use for millions of Nigerian children.
Ireport247news
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