Abuja:The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) is urging the integration of digital literacy into school curricula from an early age to safeguard children against online abuse and exploitation. Ms. Seyi Onasanya, Chief Operating Officer of NiRA, emphasized this point during an interview in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Onasanya described digital literacy as essential, not optional, and called on parents, teachers, schools, policymakers, and stakeholders to collaborate in educating children about the risks associated with digital devices and online platforms. She highlighted the establishment of the Ndukwe Kalu Foundation by NiRA, aimed at supporting child online safety and reporting abuse.
Onasanya stressed the importance of empowering teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to educate children about digital safety. While Artificial Intelligence tools can enhance lesson planning, they also present risks that children need to comprehend. She warned that digital platforms could be misused for harmful activities such as child kidnapping, trafficking, and sextortion, affecting children’s well-being and that of their families.
She advocated for the development of policies and regulations to enhance child online protection, support schools, and create clear reporting channels for abuse. Onasanya noted that digital literacy should begin as soon as children start using digital devices, citing an instance where a three-year-old identified Apple’s Siri as a friend, illustrating the need for early guidance.
Onasanya also mentioned that the Ndukwe Kalu Foundation is implementing capacity-building programs for teachers and school management to improve their understanding of digital safety. She called for immediate national action, emphasizing that protecting children from online dangers is crucial for their future security.