FG Mulls Social Media Age Restrictions for Children in Nigeria

The Federal Government has begun consultations on plans to introduce age restrictions for social media use in Nigeria, as part of a broader effort to strengthen online safety for children.

To this end, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has launched a public poll seeking input from parents, educators, young people, and digital policy 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, evidence-based policy framework that protects children from online risks while preserving the educational and social benefits of internet access.

What the Government Is Saying

In a policy note accompanying the survey, the ministry acknowledged that while the internet offers significant opportunities for learning, creativity, and communication, it also exposes children to a range of digital risks.

These risks include:

Cyberbullying

Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content

Online grooming and exploitation

Misuse of personal data

Addictive platform algorithms

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 initiative via his X account, the Supervising Minister, Bosun Tijani, said the government is committed to ensuring stronger protections for minors as internet adoption continues to grow.

“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 will play a critical role in shaping policies that balance digital access with appropriate safeguards for young users.

“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.

Nigeria Joins Global Push for Social Media Age Limits

With the proposed consultation, Nigeria could join a growing list of countries implementing age restrictions for social media platforms.

For instance, Australia introduced a ban on social media access for children under 16 in December 2025, compelling platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to restrict access for underage users.

Similarly, Indonesia has announced plans to prohibit children under 16 from using social media platforms.

In Denmark, the government secured parliamentary backing in November 2025 for a ban on social media use for children under 15.

Meanwhile, lawmakers in France passed legislation in January to restrict social media access for children under 15, a move supported by President Emmanuel Macron as part of broader efforts to curb excessive screen time among minors.

Why the Debate Matters

Nigeria has experienced rapid growth in internet and social media usage over the past decade, driven largely by increased smartphone adoption and expanding mobile broadband networks.

However, this surge in connectivity has also raised concerns among policymakers and child protection advocates about minors’ exposure 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 noted that the trend underscores the importance of raising awareness about data privacy, digital safety, and the risks associated with sharing personal information online.