NCC Steps Up Safeguards as Rising Internet Use Exposes Children to Cyber Risks

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has intensified efforts to protect children from online dangers as internet use among young Nigerians continues to surge, raising fresh concerns about exposure to harmful digital content.

Speaking at a recent media parley in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Aminu Maida, said the evolving nature of social media platforms presents new regulatory challenges, especially as many of them operate beyond Nigeria’s jurisdiction.

“Social media platforms are global in nature and not necessarily operated within Nigeria,” he said, noting that this limits direct control by local authorities.

Maida, however, stressed that safeguarding children online must begin with responsible usage at the individual level, particularly by parents and guardians.

“The first and most important thing is responsible use of these platforms,” he said, adding that families must take deliberate steps to guide children’s digital engagement.

He disclosed that the Commission has strengthened its regulatory framework by revising the internet code of practice, including provisions that empower authorities to direct service providers to remove harmful content where necessary.

Maida also urged Nigerians to make use of built-in reporting tools on digital platforms to flag inappropriate materials, cyberbullying and other online threats.

The renewed focus comes against the backdrop of a sharp increase in children’s online activity, a trend that accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since become entrenched in everyday life.

With virtual learning platforms such as Zoom, Google Classroom and YouTube now widely used, children are spending more time online for both education and leisure, exposing them to a mix of opportunities and risks.

While digital access has improved learning outcomes and connectivity, stakeholders warn that it has also opened the door to dangers including exposure to harmful content, online predators, cyberbullying and data exploitation.

To address these concerns, the NCC had in 2020 issued comprehensive guidelines aimed at helping parents, caregivers and educators protect children in the digital space. The guidelines have since been revised and localised to reflect Nigeria’s realities and evolving online trends.

According to the Commission, the framework is designed to guide families on what to do before children go online, while they are online, and in the event of negative experiences.

“This handbook will provide practical online safety tips for parents, caregivers and children,” the Commission stated, emphasising that proactive measures are key to reducing risks.

The NCC also underscored that the internet remains a valuable tool for learning and development, but warned that its benefits must be balanced with safety precautions.

Experts identify four broad categories of risks facing children online: exposure to harmful or inappropriate content, interaction with potentially dangerous strangers, behavioural risks such as cyberbullying and addiction, and commercial exploitation through data misuse or targeted advertising.

The Commission advises parents to anticipate these risks by educating themselves about digital platforms, installing child-friendly applications and enabling parental controls before granting children access to devices.

It also recommends setting time limits for screen use and ensuring that children’s online activities are monitored and structured.

However, the NCC cautions that technology alone cannot guarantee safety. It emphasises the need to equip children with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital environment responsibly.

Parents are encouraged to maintain open communication with their children, teaching them not to share personal information online and to report suspicious or uncomfortable encounters.

The guidelines further highlight the importance of observing behavioural changes in children, which may signal exposure to harmful experiences online. Creating a supportive environment where children can speak freely without fear is considered critical.

Beyond the home, schools and teachers are also expected to play a role by guiding students on safe digital practices as online learning becomes more integrated into the education system.

Nigeria’s approach to child online protection has also involved collaboration among key agencies, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), alongside other stakeholders in the digital and regulatory ecosystem.

This multi-agency effort has contributed to the development of a national framework aimed at strengthening child online safety and aligning Nigeria with global standards.

The Commission has also taken steps to broaden public awareness by translating educational materials into major Nigerian languages, including Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo and Pidgin, to ensure wider reach.

Despite these efforts, it is observed that awareness remains uneven, particularly in rural communities where digital literacy levels are lower.

Experts warned that without sustained education and engagement, many parents may struggle to keep pace with the rapidly changing online environment.

While regulatory actions, policy frameworks and collaboration are beginning to take shape, observers note that constant vigilance and adaptation will be required to keep children safe in an increasingly connected world.