FG Considers Social Media Age Limits to Strengthen Child Online Safety
The Federal Government has begun consultations on plans to introduce age restrictions for social media use in Nigeria, as part of efforts to strengthen online safety for children and teenagers.
The initiative, being driven by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, includes a Nationwide public survey aimed at gathering opinions from parents, teachers, young people and digital experts on how best to regulate minors’ access to social media platforms.
According to the Ministry, the consultation is intended to shape a balanced policy framework that protects children from online threats while allowing them to benefit from the educational and social advantages of internet access.
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the Government is taking steps to ensure minors are better protected as internet use continues to expand rapidly across the Country.
Tijani noted that while the internet provides opportunities for learning, creativity and communication, it also exposes young users to risks such as cyberbullying, harmful content, online exploitation, misuse of personal data and emerging dangers associated with artificial intelligence tools.
He emphasised that public participation will play a critical role in shaping the proposed regulations as the Government explores options including age limits for social media use, stronger age-verification systems, increased accountability for digital platforms and tighter regulatory oversight.
If implemented, the move could see Nigeria join a growing number of Countries introducing stricter rules on children’s access to social media.
For instance, Australia introduced a nationwide ban on social media use for children under 16 in December 2025, requiring platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube to restrict access for younger users.
Similarly, Indonesia has announced plans to prohibit social media use for children under 16, while Denmark is preparing legislation that would ban access for children under 15.
Lawmakers in France also recently approved a bill that would prevent children under 15 from using social media, a measure supported by President Emmanuel Macron as part of broader efforts to reduce excessive screen time and improve child safety online.
