TikTok begins phase two of digital safety initiative in Nigeria

TikTok has launched the second phase of its #SaferTogether digital safety initiative in Nigeria, partnering with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Data Science Nigeria (DSN).

The initiative, which began in 2022, aims to improve digital safety in Nigeria by educating parents, teachers, and guardians on how to help young people safely navigate TikTok and the broader digital space.

The first phase of the campaign successfully reached 537 teachers and 1,037 parents in cities such as Abuja, Lagos, and Kano. It focused on TikTok’s safety features and promoting positive mental health online.

The second phase will expand the programme’s reach to additional regions, including Edo and Kaduna, and will address key issues such as misinformation, cyberbullying, sexting, digital citizenship, fake news, child sexual violence, and data protection.

Workshops will engage a wide array of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government representatives, community leaders, parents, teachers, and guardians.

Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, TikTok’s Government Relations and Public Policy Director for Africa, emphasized the significance of digital literacy: “Empowering parents, teachers, and guardians with digital literacy skills is essential to creating a safer online environment. Our commitment to community safety is strong, and through local partnerships, we are

extending these educational resources beyond our platform.”

Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi, Founder and CEO of Data Science Nigeria, noted the shared responsibility in fostering a safer digital world: “We are excited to continue the Safer Together campaign, providing valuable insights on digital wellness to parents, teachers, and guardians.”