The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has urged parents and guardians to monitor and manage the engagement of their children online because uncontrolled exposure to cyberspace is fraught with a lot of negativities to children’s wellbeing.
Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta, stated this at the First Web Rangers Nigeria Summit, a Google’s initiative that focuses on developing digital literacy and equipping telecom consumers with the knowledge they require for their online safety, with the theme “Navigating the Responsibility of Online Safety Between Users, Providers and Regulators.”
A statement by NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, said Dambatta, who was represented by the Director, New Media and Information Security Department, Dr. Haru Alhassan, the NCC boss said it is imperative to know what children are doing in the cyberspace.
He expressed the commission’s commitment towards supporting the governance and security of the nation’s cyberspace, as well as facilitating the adoption of innovative technologies and acquisition of ICT skills.
According to him, the telecom regulator is aware of the responsibilities entrusted on it in ensuring safety in the digital ecosystem which informed its establishment of NCC Computer Security Incidence Response Team, CSIRT, that was inaugurated in 2021.
Manager of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Google Nigeria, Dawn Dimowo, stated that the summit is an opportunity for strengthening the advocacy for digital safety and allowing the youth to share their innovation.
The maiden Web Ranger Summit was anchored by the Public and Private Development Center, PPDC, which has successfully pioneered safer internet and digital inclusion practices and activities in some schools and among many stakeholders in Nigeria.
Some of these initiatives are the development of the Online Safety Curriculum, the Web Rangers Clubs, online safety training for staff and students, and the annual celebration of safer internet day in collaboration with the Nigerian Education Research and Development Council, NERDC.
