The Federal Government is set to introduce measures to regulate internet access for children under the age of 16, as part of efforts to safeguard minors from potential risks in the digital environment.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the planned intervention on Thursday while speaking to students and other education stakeholders.

Alausa explained that although the government was working to widen children’s access to digital resources for learning, such access must be carefully managed to ensure that young users are exposed only to content that is safe, reliable and relevant to their education.

He cautioned that initiatives aimed at providing free or affordable access to educational platforms should not result in children having unrestricted access to online services simply because they are presented as educational.

The minister said, “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, as we expand digital access, however, we must remain focused on quality. Zero rating should not mean indiscriminate access to every platform that describes itself as educational.

“The content made available to our children must be appropriate, credible, safe, and aligned with our educational objectives and our curriculum.”

Alausa described the proposed internet regulation as a “sneak preview” of measures expected to be formally unveiled by security authorities in the coming days or weeks.

He said the forthcoming announcement would provide details on how the government intends to regulate internet access for children below 16 and protect them from possible dangers associated with unrestricted online exposure.

“At this point, I’m just going to give a sneak preview to what will come. That will be announced by the security people in the next coming days or week. It will be regulating internet access to children below 16 years old,” he said.

The minister added that the planned measures would be designed to protect the dignity and wellbeing of children as Nigeria continues to expand internet connectivity and digital learning opportunities across the education sector.

“Further announcement on this will be coming from our security staffs and they will roll out how this country will protect the dignity of every child in this country,” Alausa said.