In recognition of this year’s Children’s Day on May 27, 2024, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the independent National Regulatory Authority for the Telecoms Industry, has called on parents and guardians to help their children and wards stay safe online. The NCC emphasized the importance of cyber safety, highlighting the increasing risks children face on the internet.

The NCC released a series of guidelines and tips aimed at helping parents and guardians protect their children from the dangers of the digital world. These measures are crucial for preventing cybercrimes such as cyberbullying, online grooming, access to inappropriate content, and scams. The NCC’s recommendations for children include:

– Avoid sharing personal information such as name, phone number, pictures, address, or school name with strangers online.
– Keep your identity safe and secure.
– Use your phone or device in visible areas to maintain trust and safety.
– Do not click on pop-ups, links from websites, or messages while gaming online to avoid risky websites.
– Think carefully before clicking to connect.
– Stay cybersafe.

The NCC highlighted the importance of implementing parental controls and provided additional tips to help parents and guardians monitor their children’s online activities. These tips include:

– Ensure devices used by children are kept in public areas of the home for easy monitoring.
– Periodically check browsing history to ensure safe online activity and discuss any concerning content.
– Be aware of who children are interacting with online to prevent online grooming.
– Encourage children to close inappropriate windows and tabs immediately and report any disturbing content.
– Limit the time children spend online to prevent health issues related to excessive screen time and promote other constructive activities such as outdoor sports.

The NCC stressed that by taking these steps, parents and guardians can create a safer online environment for their children. They can also foster open communication about their children’s online experiences, ensuring they remain informed and vigilant about potential risks.

The NCC’s comprehensive approach to cyber safety reflects its commitment to protecting the Nigerian child from the dangers of online technology, reinforcing the need for parents and guardians to be proactive in supervising and guiding their children’s digital activities.

For more detailed information, the NCC has released a video on cyber safety, available for viewing [here](https://fb.watch/slnf5sIzn8/).

By taking these precautions, parents and guardians can help ensure that their children enjoy the benefits of the internet while staying protected from its risks.
Source: Rotamedia