Representatives Want to Protect Children from Internet Abuse

 

Members of the House of Representatives are emphasizing the importance of implementing measures to safeguard children from harmful online exposure. Olumide Osoba, Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, underscored this during the opening of a public hearing on the Child Online Access Protection Bill 2023 and related issues of online violence against Nigerian children.

Osoba stressed the paramount importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of children in today's digital era. While acknowledging the internet's positive impact on society, he also highlighted its potential risks, especially for vulnerable young minds, which have given rise to various forms of online violence like cyberbullying, harassment, and exploitation.

He emphasized the societal responsibility to shield children from such harm and lauded efforts to address online violence and protect young people from its detrimental effects. The proposed bill not only recognizes the threat posed by online violence but also seeks to establish measures to prevent such incidents.

The bill aims to restrict access to harmful content, impose stricter penalties for perpetrators, and promote digital literacy programs to create a safer online environment. Osoba stressed the need for collaborative efforts involving parents, educators, internet service providers, and the government to address the issue comprehensively.

He emphasized that empowering children with knowledge and skills to navigate the online world safely is crucial and advocated for a holistic approach to foster an internet culture of empathy, respect, and understanding.

Osoba asserted that adopting the bill would not only protect children's well-being but also create a safer and more inclusive online space. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, urged parents to take proactive measures to safeguard their children online, emphasizing the significance of the proposed legislation in the digital age.

Tajudeen, represented by Chief Whip Usman Kumo, emphasized the importance of global best practices in protecting children online and preventing their exploitation. He stressed the need to prevent children from being exposed to situations where they could be abused, highlighting the critical role of legislation in achieving this goal.