Why Nigerian Youths Must Prioritise Digital Safety
By Daniel Peter
Nigeria’s digital space is expanding at an unprecedented pace, creating enormous opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, communication and civic participation. At the same time, it has become a fertile ground for misinformation, cyberbullying, online fraud and privacy violations, with young people among the most affected. As internet access continues to grow, promoting responsible digital behaviour has become essential to protecting both individuals and society.
A recent study on media literacy and cyber hygiene among Nigerian youths highlights the growing challenge. Using a mixed-method approach involving an online survey of 308 respondents, focus group discussions and interviews with educators, media professionals and youth leaders, the study assessed young people’s ability to identify, analyse and resist false information.
The findings reveal that 86.1 per cent of respondents rely on social media daily as their primary source of information. Yet, 58.3 per cent were unfamiliar with the concept of disinformation, while only 34.3 per cent had received any formal media literacy training. These gaps expose many young Nigerians to manipulation, fake news and online scams.
Beyond the statistics, participants identified political propaganda, peer pressure and the monetisation of online content as major factors encouraging the spread of unverified information. The pursuit of likes, shares and online engagement often outweighs the need for accuracy, allowing false narratives to spread rapidly across digital platforms.
Encouragingly, nearly 80 per cent of respondents expressed willingness to participate in media literacy and digital safety programmes. This demonstrates a strong appetite among young Nigerians to become more responsible digital citizens if provided with the right education and support.
The need for such interventions is becoming increasingly urgent as Nigeria’s digital economy expands. Broadband penetration surpassed 50 per cent in late 2025 and continued to rise above 53 per cent in early 2026, with more than 115 million active broadband subscriptions. Internet traffic has also increased dramatically over the past three years, reflecting growing dependence on digital platforms for business, education, financial services and social interaction.
Although the number of active mobile subscriptions temporarily declined following the deactivation of SIM cards not linked to National Identification Numbers (NINs), data usage continued to increase significantly. This suggests that active users are spending more time online and becoming increasingly integrated into the digital economy.
With greater connectivity, however, comes greater responsibility. Digital responsibility involves using technology ethically, safely and respectfully while protecting one’s privacy and the rights of others. It means verifying information before sharing it, safeguarding personal data, respecting intellectual property, communicating respectfully and avoiding activities that could harm individuals or communities.
Cyber risks among Nigerian youths continue to evolve. Studies show that many secondary school students are regularly exposed to cyberbullying, phishing, identity theft, hacking and online fraud. Cyberbullying, in particular, has been linked to increased anxiety and emotional distress, while excessive social media use can negatively affect mental health. At the same time, supportive online communities can provide positive social connections when used responsibly.
Building a safer digital environment requires collective action.
Schools should integrate digital literacy, cyber ethics and online safety into existing subjects such as Civic Education, Computer Studies and Guidance and Counselling. Students need practical knowledge on password security, privacy protection, responsible social media use, cyberbullying prevention and identifying online scams.
Parents and guardians also have a vital role to play. Rather than relying solely on monitoring, they should maintain open and non-judgmental conversations with their children about online behaviour, digital privacy and responsible content sharing. Young people who receive guidance at home are generally better equipped to navigate online risks.
Faith-based and community organisations can further reinforce responsible digital behaviour by combining moral teachings with digital literacy. Seminars on online etiquette, ethical communication and internet safety can help young people make informed decisions while using digital platforms responsibly.
Ultimately, the fight against misinformation and cybercrime cannot be won through regulation alone. It requires a digitally literate population capable of thinking critically, verifying information and acting responsibly online. Government agencies, educational institutions, civil society organisations, technology companies and the media must work together to strengthen digital education and promote safer online practices.
Nigeria’s digital future will be shaped not only by technological innovation but also by the values that guide its users. By embracing responsible digital behaviour, improving media literacy and practising sound cyber hygiene, Nigerian youths can maximise the opportunities offered by technology while minimising its risks. In doing so, they will help build a more informed, secure and resilient digital society.
Daniel Peter is a student in the Department of Development and Strategic Communication, University of Abuja.
