…Calls for age limit of 16, stronger age-verification laws.
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Network of Peace Journalists (NPJ) has called on African governments to prohibit children under the age of 16 from using social media, citing similar measures already adopted by countries in Europe and Australia to protect young people from online harm.
In a statement issued in Kaduna on Saturday, NPJ Team Leader, Ibrahima Yakubu, said unrestricted access to social media has fueled cyber-bullying, online exploitation, exposure to violent and harmful content, addiction, declining academic performance, and mental health challenges among children and teenagers.
“Countries across the world are taking decisive steps to shield minors from the negative effects of social media. African nations must do the same to safeguard our children and promote healthier childhood development,” Yakubu said.
He referenced new policies in four countries like Australia for approving legislation to bar children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. France requires parental consent for children under 15 to create social media accounts.
He also cited that Spain has proposed raising the minimum age for social media use to 16 and strengthening age-verification systems, while Norway has announced plans to increase the minimum age for social media access with stronger protections for minors.
Yakubu urged African governments to enact clear legislation compelling social media companies to deploy robust age-verification systems and to impose strict penalties on platforms that fail to protect underage users.
He also recommended increased investment in digital literacy programmes to educate children, parents and teachers on responsible internet use and online safety.
“Schools should incorporate digital citizenship and online safety into their curricula,” he added, while calling on parents and guardians to monitor children’s online activities, set screen-time limits, and engage them in constructive educational and recreational activities.
The NPJ further appealed to religious institutions, civil society organisations, traditional rulers and the media to intensify public awareness campaigns on the risks of excessive social media use among children.
According to Yakubu, protecting children online “is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration among governments, families, educators, technology companies, and communities.”
He stressed that appropriate regulations would not deny children access to technology, but would ensure they use digital platforms in a safe, responsible, and age-appropriate manner that preserves their mental well-being, education, and moral development.
NPJ Team in Kaduna