The rapid growth in Internet use among children in Nigeria is drawing increased attention from regulators, parents and education stakeholders, amid rising concerns over exposure to harmful online content and the long-term impact.

What began as an emergency response during the COVID-19 pandemic has now become a permanent feature of daily life.

With schools shifting to virtual learning and families relying more on digital devices, children are spending more time online for education, entertainment and social interaction.

Platforms such as Zoom, Google Classroom and YouTube have become common tools in many Nigerian homes.

While this shift has improved access to learning and digital opportunities, it has also brought new risks. Children are increasingly exposed to inappropriate content, online predators, cyberbullying and other dangers associated with the digital space.

In response, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) issued guidelines in 2020 on keeping children safe online, providing practical steps for parents, caregivers, and educators. The Commission has since revised and localised these guidelines to reflect Nigeria’s realities and evolving digital trends, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic.

According to the NCC, the guidelines were developed to help families navigate the growing digital environment safely.

“This handbook will provide practical online safety tips for parents, caregivers and children,” the Commission stated, noting that it outlines steps to take before children go online, while they are online, and when issues arise.

The Commission further stressed that the internet remains a valuable resource despite its risks. It urged parents to adopt strategies that balance opportunity with safety.

The NCC explained that the surge in children’s online activity has made it necessary for parents to take a more active role in supervising digital engagement. Unlike traditional environments, the internet is borderless and largely invisible, making it difficult to monitor without deliberate effort.

Experts have identified four major categories of online risks facing children. These include content risk, which involves exposure to harmful or inappropriate material; contact risk, where children interact with strangers who may pose threats; conduct risk, which includes cyberbullying and excessive use of digital devices; and commercial risk, linked to exploitation through advertising, data collection or online transactions.

To address these concerns, the NCC guidelines emphasised the need for parents to anticipate risks before granting children access to devices. This includes educating themselves about online platforms, installing child-friendly applications and enabling parental controls.

The Commission also recommends setting clear time limits on device use and ensuring that children’s online activities are structured and supervised.

However, the NCC cautions that technical measures alone are not sufficient. It highlighted the importance of empowering children with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the internet safely.