Reps consider bill to protect children from online violence, exploitation

The house of representatives, on Thursday, passed for second reading, a bill seeking to protect children from online violence and exploitation.

Sponsored by Olumide Osoba, a lawmaker from Ogun state, the bill proposes to mandate internet service providers to block access and remove “intimate images and videos shared online that negatively impact children”.

Leading the debate on the motion, Osoba who represents Abeokuta north/Obafemi-Owode/Odeda federal constituency of Ogun, said as a parent, he is deeply concerned about the safety of Nigerian children in the digital age.

He said in the face of technological advancements, children “encounter unprecedented risks online”.

The legislator said the bill is a “pivotal initiative” to shield children from the “perils of online violence and exploitation”.

“Raising our children in this era of the internet has become an enduring task. The threat of violence has escalated, affecting our children physically, sexually, and psychologically,” he said.

“While we acknowledge the significance of the Nigeria Data Protection Act signed into law on June 12, 2023, it is crucial to recognize the specific vulnerabilities children face in the digital space.

“The internet has become a breeding ground for threats to our children and the absence of mandates to sensitise and enlighten parents, government and the public on the alarming increase in child abuse due to online activities calls for a robust legislative intervention.

“We cannot afford to underestimate the impact of the internet on our children.

“Every child has the right to be protected from abuse, exploitation, and violence stemming from cyber-bullying, cyber-extortion, identity theft, drug trafficking, phishing, and other forms of online abuse.

“Our child protection systems must be extensive and robust, ensuring the well-being and safety of our children.”

Osoba said the bill requires collaboration and support from stakeholders, including clergymen, parents, the police, legal aid, births and death registry, judiciary, media, social welfare offices, and internet service providers.

“Together, we must develop a comprehensive framework through legislation, policy, and institutional context to shield our children from online malaise,” he said.

“This bill proposes a framework to prevent and address harms caused by serious online abuse or illegal and restricted online content.

“It emphasizes the importance of reporting incidents promptly and highlights the steps for addressing various types of online abuse.

“Additionally, it outlines fines, imprisonment, and other penalties to discourage online aggression and violence.

“In essence, this bill mandates internet service providers to block access to materials depicting violent conduct, regulate illegal/restricted content irrespective of the host, and remove intimate images and videos shared online that negatively impact children.”

Osoba said parents and legislators bear a collective responsibility to protect our children/citizens.

The lawmaker said the Child Online Access Protection Bill is a necessary step towards ensuring a safer digital future for Nigeria’s youth.