FG Considers Tougher Age Limits for Social Media Use by Children

FG Considers Tougher Age Limits for Social Media Use by Children

LAGOS — The Federal Government has indicated support for stricter regulation of children’s access to social media platforms, following new survey findings showing strong public backing for tighter controls over minors’ online activity.

The position was made known at a national roundtable on child online protection held in Lagos, organised by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

The event brought together policymakers, digital rights experts, regulators and stakeholders to discuss online safety for children amid rising concerns over cyber risks and exposure to harmful content.

According to data presented at the event, a nationwide survey conducted by the ministry showed that 83.4 per cent of 585 respondents supported some form of regulation or restriction on children’s access to social media.

The survey, presented by Senior Special Adviser to the Minister, Kasim Sodangi, also revealed that 64.8 per cent of respondents supported direct regulation, while 18.6 per cent backed restrictions but preferred alternative age thresholds.

Findings further showed strong public support for raising the minimum age for social media use, with 64.5 per cent of respondents favouring an age limit of 16 or 17 years, higher than the widely used global benchmark of 13 years.

The ministry said nearly all respondents were Nigerians, suggesting the results reflect strong local concern over online child safety and digital exposure risks.

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The poll also highlighted widespread anxiety about children’s digital experiences, with more than 93 per cent of respondents expressing concern about risks faced by minors online. Of this figure, 69.2 per cent described their concern as extreme, while 24.3 per cent said they were highly concerned.

Exposure to harmful and inappropriate content was identified as the most pressing issue, with over 90 per cent of respondents flagging it as a major risk. Other concerns included cyberbullying, cyberstalking, online grooming, digital addiction and exploitation of minors.

The survey also pointed to a knowledge gap in digital safety awareness, with nearly three-quarters of respondents saying many parents and children are not sufficiently informed about cybercrime laws and consequences of online misconduct.

In addition, an overwhelming 97.6 per cent of respondents supported stronger responsibility for technology companies, urging social media platforms to adopt proactive measures to protect younger users from harm.

Speaking at the roundtable, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the rapid expansion of digital platforms has made it necessary for governments to strengthen safeguards for children in the digital space.

Tijani said while social media offers opportunities for learning, creativity and innovation, it also exposes minors to significant risks that must be addressed through structured regulation.

“The debate should focus on implementing age restrictions effectively rather than questioning the need for such safeguards,” he said, adding that Nigeria can leverage digital identity systems and platform verification tools to enforce age-based rules.

He stressed that challenges around enforcement should not prevent the introduction of protective measures, noting that parents, schools, technology firms and civil society must all play roles in ensuring safer online environments for children.

Also speaking, the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, warned that children are increasingly vulnerable to online threats.

He listed risks such as cyberbullying, cyberstalking, exposure to harmful content and mental health challenges as major concerns in the digital space.

Olatunji emphasised that while internet access remains important for education and development, stronger safeguards are required to ensure that children are protected from abuse and exploitation online.

The Federal Government is expected to continue consultations with stakeholders, including telecom operators, technology companies, educators and civil society organisations, before arriving at a final policy direction on social media regulation for minors.

FG Considers Tougher Age Limits for Social Media Use by Children