The Federal Government has begun moves to introduce age restrictions for social media use in Nigeria as part of efforts to protect children from online risks.

 

The initiative is being driven by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, led by Bosun Tijani, which has launched a public poll to gather opinions from parents, educators, young people, and digital experts.

 

According to the ministry, the proposed measures aim to strike a balance between ensuring online safety and preserving the educational and social benefits of internet access.

 

The government is particularly concerned about growing threats such as cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, online grooming, data misuse, addictive platform features, and emerging risks linked to artificial intelligence.

 

Dr. Tijani emphasized that public participation is crucial in shaping any future regulations.

 

“Any framework, including age restrictions, improved verification, platform accountability, and regulatory oversight, should reflect national priorities and respect children’s rights,” he said.

 

The move signals a broader push by the Federal Government to strengthen digital safety policies while ensuring that children can still benefit from the opportunities provided by technology.