Children today are increasingly dedicating a substantial amount of time to online activities, with no indication of slowing down. According to UNICEF, a child goes online for the first time every half second (UNICEF, 2023). This emphasizes the pervasive integration of digital technology into the daily lives of the modern day child. While the internet serves as a valuable tool for learning, socializing, communication with teachers, and engaging in interactive games, it also becomes a platform for seeking support on physical or mental health issues and experimenting with self-expression. When employed appropriately, the internet possesses the potential to cultivate curiosity and nurture a passion for exploring various aspects of our world. However, these opportunities are accompanied by significant risks, particularly for children lacking the knowledge to explore the online realm securely.
The internet, with its capacity to expand horizons and inspire creativity, has unfortunately become a breeding ground for illicit activities, disproportionately affecting innocent users, notably children (Ariana, 2023). Despite the apparent comfort that many children exhibit with technology and the online environment, it is crucial to recognize that they are still in the learning phase and may not be fully equipped to overcome the potential hazards associated with digital technology. Responding to disconcerting stories accentuating the exploitation of children’s vulnerability online, a bill successfully passed a second reading at the House of Representatives of Nigeria on December 21st, 2023 (Samuel, 2023).
The primary aim of the bill is to compel internet service providers to proactively block access to content depicting violent conduct, regulate illegal or restricted material regardless of its hosting source, and promptly remove intimidating images and videos shared online that detrimentally impact children (Dirisu, 2023). The passage of this bill reiterates the precarious state of the young mind in the digital era, as technological advancements expose children to unprecedented risks online. Undoubtedly, the escalation of the threat of violence manifests in diverse forms, unfavourably affecting children physically, sexually, and psychologically.
The internet serves as a facilitator for various forms of online abuse against children, with cyberbullying emerging as the most prominent issue. Cyberbullying represents a violation of children’s rights, and its prevalence is notable across various online platforms, including instant messaging, social media, and chat rooms. Both individuals known to the child in real life and complete strangers engage in online bullying, exploiting the accessibility of online platforms for communication, interaction, and content sharing.
A consistent feature of cyberbullying involves the dissemination of negative, harmful, false, or mean content about the targeted individuals, leading to public humiliation. The exposure of personal or private information can result in profound consequences such as embarrassment, depression, and, in extreme cases, even suicide. Unlike traditional offline bullying, the detrimental nature of online bullying means it can relentlessly follow the child, creating a sense of no escape or safe space (NSPCC, 2023).
Notably, mental health issues have been rampant in the 21st century, and it is not coincidental that this era coincides with the rise of digital technology. Unfortunately, the comfort provided by digital technology has been misused by certain children, leading to internet addiction and its consequential real-world impacts, such as anxiety and depression. Formulated in a 1998 study, the term “internet addiction” characterizes an impulse control disorder that does not involve intoxicants. In recent years, research examining the correlation between excessive internet use and mental disorders has gained traction (Benjamin, 2020). Internet addiction manifests in various adverse effects, including diminished planning abilities, impaired control, lower academic performance, and excessive time spent online.
Furthermore, the integration of digital technology has unfortunately facilitated child sex offenders in their nefarious activities, making sexual exploitation more accessible than ever. According to research conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), an alarming 200 million children are subjected to sexual abuse annually, a substantial portion of which occurs online or is digitally disseminated (UNESDOC, 2019).
Children become victims through the creation, distribution, and consumption of sexual abuse material, or they may be groomed for sexual exploitation, with perpetrators attempting to establish in-person meetings or coercing them into providing explicit content. The age requirement for account registration on certain social media platforms being as low as 13 years has rendered many young minds susceptible to contact by online predators when unsupervised (Benjamin, 2020). These predators strategically lurk on social media apps and websites where children interact, often assuming a false identity as a peer seeking friendship. They may coax children into sharing personal information such as addresses and phone numbers or encourage them to make phone calls. In some cases, these predators employ phishing emails, deceiving children into clicking on malicious links that inadvertently download malware, granting criminals access to sensitive information.
It is necessary for children to acquire the ability to independently distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable online content. Sadly, some children experience hidden or latent trauma resulting from visits to sites, often emanating from their childish exuberance. These may include terrorist sites, platforms featuring harmful user-generated content related to drug use, or negative body image. The excessive use of the internet can have damaging effects on children, notably contributing to the early onset of blurry vision. Prolonged screen time is associated with issues such as burning, itchy, or tired eyes in children. While children can adapt to the high-energy, short-wavelength blue light emitted by devices, excessive exposure may result in long-term problems. Persistent side effects may include headaches, fatigue, blurred vision, as well as head and neck discomfort (Benjamin, 2020).
Now, more than ever, it is paramount to allocate resources towards implementing thorough methodologies and initiatives aimed at rectifying the harms inflicted upon numerous children in the digital space. The collaborative efforts of parents, guardians, educators, governmental bodies, and all individuals involved in a child’s life are pivotal in both preventing and identifying the potential dangers associated with online technology (NSPCC, 2023).
Parents bear the greatest responsibility for guiding their children through the concealed traps of digital technology. It is crucial for parents to remain vigilant about their children’s online activities, understanding what they see, hear, who they interact with, and what information they share. Employing online protection tools becomes vital to regulate access to adult material and safeguard children from potential internet predators. Many Internet service providers offer parental control options, enabling parents to utilize software that blocks access to specific sites and restricts the transmission of personal information online (Oge, 2019).
Nevertheless, reliance on filtering objectionable content should not overshadow the importance of instilling in children a foundation of safe and responsible online behavior, accompanied by active supervision of their internet usage. It is essential to recognize that filters and blocking measures are effective primarily when children are unfamiliar with internet nuances. As children become more adept at navigating the internet, deliberate efforts to access restricted content may emerge. Therefore, imparting digital literacy and online safety skills to children cultivates awareness, empowering them to conscientiously avoid disturbing content.
In addition, parents should build a positive and communicative relationship with their children, maintaining an open line of dialogue to ensure they feel comfortable seeking guidance when encountering challenges online (Shalom, 2022). Engaging in open and non-judgmental conversations can empower children to confide in their parents about any distressing online experiences. Parents should encourage their children to partake in activities that stimulate their minds through sports, board games, or reading not only diversifies their interests but also reclaims valuable family time.
Also, governments should encourage responsible internet usage for the prevention and resolution of violence (ITU, 2020). This can be achieved by promoting the development of technologies and resources that empower children to access information through collaboration with relevant tech companies. Tech companies should be required to block harmful material, and instances of violence should be promptly reported. It is necessary to integrate digital software capable of monitoring and ensuring that websites adhere to transparent privacy policies, and to obtain parental consent before collecting or utilizing a child’s personal information.
Strict measures should be enforced to prohibit websites from requesting excessive personal information from children for gaming or contest participation. Additionally, governments ought to establish a clear and consistent legal and regulatory system, supporting businesses and other third parties in meeting their responsibilities to protect children’s rights across their operations, both domestically and internationally.
The internet poses a heightened risk for everyone, with children being particularly susceptible to various threats, ranging from cyber predators to potential repercussions of their social media activities. The consequences of online dangers can portray significant risks, as children may inadvertently expose themselves or their families to significant internet threats.
Safeguarding children on the internet requires a increased sense of awareness, understanding the lurking dangers and implementing protective measures against them. Irrespective of background, social class, cultural differences, or societal context, protecting Nigerian children from the perils of the online space should be a collective priority. All hands must be on deck to establish comprehensive measures to protect children from online challenges, as children are the mirrors of our future world.
REFERENCES
- Oge Udegbunam, (2019). How to protect children on the internet – NCC.
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/354844-how-to-protect-children-on-the-internet-ncc.html?tztc=1 - Samuel Akpan, (2023). Reps consider bill to protect children from online violence, exploitation.
https://www.thecable.ng/reps-consider-bill-to-protect-children-from-online-violence-exploitation/amp - Shalom Oyero, Ore-Ofe, (2022). How to Ensure Child Online Protection in Nigeria.
https://cresthub.com/how-to-ensure-child-online-protection-in-nigeria/ - Dirisu Yakubu (2023). Reps to protect children against cyberbullying, others.
https://punchng.com/reps-to-protect-children-against-cyberbullying-others/ - Arianna Braga (2023). The risks for children surfing the internet.
https://www.humanium.org/en/the-risks-for-children-surfing-the-internet/ - UNICEF (2023). Protecting children online.
https://www.unicef.org/protection/violence-against-children-online - UNESDOC (2019). Child online safety: minimizing the risk of violence, abuse and exploitation online, by Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, International Telecommunication Union, UNESCO.
https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000374365.locale=en - NSPCC (2023). What is child abuse.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/online-abuse/ - ITU (2020). Guidelines for Policy- makers.
https://www.itu-cop-guidelines.com/policymakers - Benjamin Van Severen (2020). What are the dangers of using the internet for kids?
https://milwaukee-criminal-lawyer.com/what-are-the-dangers-of-using-the-internet-for-kids/
