As part of the process, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has launched a public poll to collect opinions from parents, teachers, young people and digital experts on how children’s access to social media and other online platforms should be regulated.
The ministry said the consultation will help develop a balanced policy that protects children from online dangers while still allowing them to benefit from the educational and social opportunities provided by the internet.
Officials noted that while the internet offers useful tools for learning, creativity and communication, it also exposes children to several risks.
The move comes as internet use continues to rise across the country, driven largely by increased smartphone ownership and wider mobile broadband coverage.
Last year, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission reported that more than 40 million Nigerians spend an average of six hours each day on social media platforms.
The commission also warned about the importance of protecting personal data and the risks linked to sharing private information online.
According to the ministry, children face several threats on digital platforms, including cyberbullying, harmful content, online grooming, misuse of personal information and addictive platform features. It also highlighted emerging risks linked to artificial intelligence tools.
If the proposal is adopted, Nigeria would join countries such as Denmark, France and Australia that have introduced measures to improve child safety on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
