Majority of Nigerians Back Social Media Regulation for Kids

A survey conducted by the Federal Government of Nigeria, specifically through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, reveals that 80% of Nigerians support regulating children's access to social media. The survey, released by Minister Bosun Tijani, was part of a roundtable discussion held in Lagos on Thursday, aimed at protecting children online.

It involved 13,583 respondents, with 98.6% identifying as Nigerian. The findings show that 93.5% of participants expressed great concern for children's safety on social media, highlighting issues such as exposure to inappropriate content (90.9%) and digital addiction (83.6%).

Furthermore, 97.6% of respondents supported a duty of care framework for social media platforms to prevent harm. The survey underscores the urgent need for regulations, as many parents lack awareness of the legal implications of cyber offenses.

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission's Dr. Vincent Olatunji emphasized the increasing threats children face online, advocating for a balanced approach to safeguard their welfare.