The Federal Government of Nigeria has begun consultations on plans to introduce age restrictions for social media use as part of efforts to strengthen online safety for children across the country.
To support the initiative, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has launched a public poll seeking input from parents, educators, young people and digital experts on how best to regulate children’s access to social media and other digital platforms.
According to the ministry, the initiative aims to develop a balanced and evidence-based policy framework that protects children from online risks while preserving the educational and social benefits of internet access.
In a policy note accompanying the survey, the ministry stated that although the internet provides valuable opportunities for learning, creativity and communication, it also exposes children to a range of risks.
These include cyberbullying, harmful content, online grooming, misuse of personal data, addictive platform features and emerging threats linked to artificial intelligence tools.
“As Nigeria evaluates possible policy options, it is important that any approach reflects national priorities, respects children’s rights and responds effectively to the realities of the country’s digital landscape,” the ministry stated.
Also commenting on the survey through a post on his X handle, the supervising minister, Bosun Tijani, said the government is working to ensure children are better protected as internet adoption continues to expand.
“While the internet offers significant opportunities for learning, creativity and communication, it also exposes children to risks such as cyberbullying, harmful content, online exploitation, misuse of personal data and emerging challenges linked to artificial intelligence tools,” Tijani said.
He added that public participation is essential in shaping policies that balance digital access with adequate safeguards for minors.
“As Nigeria evaluates potential policy approaches for protecting children online, including age restrictions, improved age-verification systems, platform accountability measures and enhanced regulatory oversight, public input is essential to ensure that any framework adopted reflects national priorities and respects children’s rights,” he said.
With the move, Nigeria is set to join a growing number of countries that have either implemented or are considering age restrictions for social media use.
In December 2025, Australia introduced a ban on social media use for children under 16, requiring platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube to restrict access for minors. Indonesia has also announced plans to prohibit social media use for children under 16.
Similarly, Denmark is considering a ban on social media platforms for children under 15 after securing political support from coalition and opposition parties in parliament.
In late January, lawmakers in France also passed a bill to restrict social media access for children under 15, a measure supported by President Emmanuel Macron as part of efforts to protect children from excessive screen time.
Nigeria has experienced rapid growth in internet and social media usage over the past decade, driven largely by increased smartphone adoption and the expansion of mobile broadband networks.
However, the surge in digital activity has raised concerns among policymakers and child protection advocates over the exposure of minors to harmful online content and digital exploitation.
According to the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Vincent Olatunji, more than 40 million Nigerians spend an average of six hours daily on social media.
He said the trend underscores the need for greater awareness about data privacy and the risks associated with sharing personal information on digital platforms.
