The Federal Government is asking Nigerians to share their views on how to better protect children online, as it considers new rules for social media and digital platforms due to growing digital risks.
The move follows a public call by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who encouraged stakeholders to participate in a national survey on child online safety.
According to him, while the internet offers valuable opportunities for learning, creativity and communication, it also exposes children to significant dangers.
“While the internet offers significant opportunities for learning, creativity, and communication, it also exposes children to risks such as cyberbullying, harmful content, online exploitation, misuse of personal data, and emerging challenges linked to artificial intelligence tools,” Tijani said.
The survey is part of broader consultations by the Federal Ministry of Communications Innovation and Digital Economy as it evaluates possible policy measures to strengthen child protection across digital platforms.
Officials say the process will help guide decisions on potential regulations such as age restrictions for social media use, stronger age verification systems, platform accountability requirements and expanded regulatory oversight.
“As Nigeria evaluates potential policy approaches for protection of children online, including age restrictions, improved age verification systems, platform accountability measures, and enhanced regulatory oversight, public input is essential,” the minister stated.
The ministry explained that the internet has become an important space for education, communication and innovation for young people, but it also presents risks including exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, online grooming, misuse of personal data and addictive platform features.
The survey seeks contributions from parents, educators, young people, digital professionals and other stakeholders to ensure that any regulatory framework reflects Nigeria’s priorities and the realities of its digital environment.
The exercise also aligns with protections outlined under Section 31 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
Stakeholders can submit their views through the government survey here: http://b.link/ChildOnlineSafety
