Some Nigerian mothers have cautioned parents against giving children unrestricted access to the internet, stressing the importance of instilling discipline and protecting moral values.
They noted that careful monitoring of children’s online activities is necessary to promote healthy behavior, especially among those under 18 years of age.
Mrs. Olubukola Aladeusi, a teacher, emphasized that responsible parenting is key to reducing the risks linked to smartphone use. She advised that children under 16 should not own smartphones but instead be allowed access to devices strictly for educational purposes and under close supervision.
“Phones should primarily serve academic needs such as assignments and research. Parents must set clear boundaries, supervise usage, know their children’s passwords, and use software to block inappropriate content,” she said.
She further encouraged parents to regularly review apps installed on their children’s devices, insisting that only educational tools be permitted.
Similarly, another mother, Ms. Bolanle Yusuf, urged parents to prioritize maturity over peer pressure when deciding whether their children should have smartphones. She argued that most secondary school students do not need personal devices, noting that critical information could easily be relayed through their parents.
“If a phone is necessary, it must remain under adult supervision. Parents should enable controls to prevent downloads of certain apps and ensure websites are screened. Rules must be enforced, and breaking them should have consequences,” Yusuf stated.
Research by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) supports these concerns, showing that 93 percent of Nigerian children face online risks, with many accessing the internet primarily through mobile phones without safeguards.
The NCC survey, which covered children aged 4–16, parents, and teachers, found that nearly half of children between 4 and 10 years also use mobile devices, indicating high rates of ownership even among young age groups.
According to the report, the greatest threats identified by children aged 11–16 were unwanted sexual approaches (97 percent) and exposure to sexual content (89 percent). Cyberbullying ranked lower, with only 30 percent seeing it as a major concern.
The study recommended that mobile network operators classify content according to national standards of decency, ensuring tools are available for parents and schools to filter access. It also advised schools to provide parents with resources on guiding children’s digital habits and fostering critical thinking skills.
The NCC further encouraged parents to establish reasonable rules for computer and internet use, display them as reminders, and monitor compliance. Excessive or late-night internet activity, the report added, may signal deeper issues requiring parental attention.