Lagos, Nigeria – October 9, 2025 – A group of Nigerian mothers has taken to public forums to criticize parents who allow unrestricted smartphone use among children, warning that it exposes young users to significant online dangers without adequate safeguards. The outcry, amplified during a recent parenting workshop in Lagos, highlights growing concerns over digital habits amid rising reports of cyberbullying, inappropriate content exposure, and addiction in the country’s youth.
The Warning and Key Concerns
At the event organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and local parenting networks, mothers like Bolanle Yusuf and other participants urged deliberate oversight of teenagers’ phone usage. Yusuf, a mother of two adolescents, emphasized the formative nature of the teenage years, stating, “Adolescence is a critical and formative stage in life. Parents must be deliberate and concerned about how their teenagers use smartphones to prevent risks that could shape their futures negatively.” She criticized the casual handover of devices as “negligent parenting,” pointing to a lack of rules that leaves children vulnerable.
The discussion drew from NCC research revealing that 93% of Nigerian children aged 11-16 access the internet via mobile phones without safeguards, facing threats like explicit content, online predators, and misinformation. One mother, who spoke anonymously, shared how her 12-year-old encountered harmful videos after unrestricted access, leading to behavioral changes. “We give them phones for safety, but without controls, it’s like handing them a loaded gun,” she said.
Experts at the workshop recommended practical steps: enabling parental controls to block apps and sites, setting clear usage rules with consequences for violations, and fostering open dialogues about digital literacy. “Action and reaction are equal and opposite—if they break the rules, they must face the consequences accordingly,” advised child psychologist Dr. Aisha Bello, echoing the mothers’ call for accountability.
Broader Context in Nigeria’s Digital Landscape
This criticism comes amid a surge in smartphone penetration, with over 150 million mobile subscriptions in Nigeria, many among families in urban centers like Lagos and Abuja. Recent viral incidents, such as a 2023 video of parents berating their daughter for demanding an iPhone 8—garnering millions of views—have fueled debates on generational tech gaps. While some defended the parents’ frustration over “ungrateful” demands, others highlighted the irony: many Nigerian households prioritize education but overlook digital boundaries, leading to unchecked exposure.
Schools are also stepping in, with educators advised to create materials teaching critical thinking and balanced screen time. The NCC’s findings align with global trends, but in Nigeria, economic pressures mean second-hand or family-shared devices often bypass built-in protections, exacerbating risks.
Public Reactions and Calls for Action
Social media has amplified the mothers’ message, with #ProtectNaijaKids trending on X (formerly Twitter) and threads on Reddit’s r/Nigeria debating parental control versus independence. Supporters praised the initiative: “Finally, real talk—phones aren’t toys,” one user posted. Critics, however, argued for nuance, noting that over-control stifles tech-savvy growth: “Balance is key; banning isn’t the answer.”
Parenting influencers like Tacha Akide, who in 2023 backed strict responses to tech demands, have resurfaced in discussions, while others advocate for community workshops. As Nigeria’s youth increasingly navigate online spaces, the mothers’ critique serves as a wake-up call for proactive parenting in the digital age.
For resources on safe smartphone use, the NCC offers free guides on its website.