When GTCO announced its casting call for the 2024 edition of the GTCO Fashion Weekend, what followed was a mix of talent appreciation, cyberbullying, and online jury. Incidents of this nature tie into a broader discussion about digital citizenship even as the world marked Global Media and Information Literacy Week, an initiative with the major objective of raising awareness about responsible online behaviour and ensuring the spread of digital literacy. The significance of this week offers a broader conversation on digital citizenship and cyber safety, making it a fitting backdrop for examining the challenges Nigerian youth face in the online landscape.
The Internet has become an important part of modern life, providing opportunities for education, entertainment, and social interaction, especially among the youth. However, with these benefits comes significant risks, one of which is cyberbullying. In Nigeria, where internet penetration has been on an upward trend over the past decade, cyberbullying has become a growing concern, particularly among young
people.
In Nigeria, the cyberbullying situation is concerning and on the rise with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, or a lack of awareness. From sending malicious messages, sharing embarrassing content, spreading false rumours, and even engaging in online hate campaigns, cyberbullying in Nigeria has taken on many different forms. Among Nigerian netizens today, it is now common to see vile comments on Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter), with users of the latter proudly parading themselves as more vicious than those on the former platforms. This is more prominent given the rise of ‘gist’ pages like Instablog, and Gistlover, among others.
Anonymity, among other things, is a significant reason for the prevalence of cyberbullying. Anonymity has allowed cyberbullying to thrive in Nigeria’s digital spaces. Users can easily go online, create accounts with false names and locations, and post hateful comments without fear of being traced or identified. Young people, in particular, may feel emboldened to bully others online without facing the accountability they would encounter in face-to-face interactions.
Lack of regulation and awareness has always been the major issue regarding cyberbullying in Nigeria. Despite the country’s rapid digital growth, a lack of stringent cyber laws and enforcement to address cyberbullying properly lingers. Many young people and even adults are not even aware of their rights online or how to report cyberbullying incidents. Schools and parents lack the knowledge and tools to deal with these issues effectively, and the age- long response has often been to restrict their teenagers’ use of technology.
The impacts are severe – There are various instances where cyberbullying has affected the mental health, academic performance, and social well-being of victims, with many young Nigerians experiencing anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal as a result. Young Nigerians are now scared to make a post on social media platforms for fear of being bullied, which netizens will just refer to as “airing their general opinion.” Additionally, unaddressed cyberbullying can lead to lasting emotional trauma, casting long shadows over victims’ futures and self perception. Despite these serious consequences, many incidents go unreported due to stigma, fear, and a general lack of awareness about digital rights and recourse options.
Is the Government’s Response Adequate?
As a means of dealing with a wide variety of technology-based threats, the National Assembly enacted an Act called The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc..) Act 2015 Cybercrimes (“Cybercrimes Act”). The purpose of the Cybercrimes Act is to provide an effective and unified legal, regulatory, and institutional framework for the prohibition, prevention, detection, prosecution, and punishment of cybercrimes in Nigeria. While not expressly provided for in the Cybercrimes Act, it criminalises two specific forms of cyberbullying: (x) Cyberstalking; and (y) Racist & Xenophobic offences.
Despite these efforts, Nigeria’s response to cyber bullying, particularly from a legislative and enforcement standpoint, remains limited. Although the National Assembly enacted Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act in 2015 to provide a legal framework against cybercrimes, the Act falls short of directly addressing cyberbullying. It criminalises cyberstalking and certain forms of online harassment but lacks the scope to tackle the unique and pervasive nature of cyberbullying comprehensively. Unlike countries with progressive laws that specifically target cyberbullying, Nigeria’s legislative framework does not fully address the complexities and impact of this issue.
In addition to the legal framework, the Nigerian government’s efforts in public awareness and digital literacy have been minimal. Young Nigerians often remain unaware of their rights or are unclear about how to seek protection and report online abuse. More proactive government initiatives could involve nationwide
digital literacy campaigns, potentially in collaboration with educational institutions, to embed cyber safety and digital citizenship as core parts of school curricula. This approach would not only provide the youth with practical skills for safe online engagement but also create a culture of responsibility and empathy in digital spaces.
Role of Other Stakeholders in Curbing Cyberbullying
While government intervention is critical, tackling cyberbullying effectively requires a joint effort from various stakeholders. Social media platforms, for instance, have a responsibility to foster safer environments through better content moderation policies, improved reporting mechanisms, and user accountability measures, especially with anonymous accounts. Schools and parents also play a key role by teaching young people how to navigate digital spaces responsibly and fostering open discussions about cyberbullying’s impact.
Partnerships between government agencies and tech companies could lead to more robust reporting systems, allowing cyberbullying cases to be flagged and dealt with promptly. Community-led initiatives, such as online support networks or helplines for victims, could also provide immediate relief for young people grappling with the effects of cyberbullying. Furthermore, collaborations between the government, NGOs, and mental health organisations would create pathways for offering counselling and support to those affected by cyberbullying, helping them to recover and move forward.
Digital Literacy and Public Awareness: The Way Forward
Global Media and Information Literacy Week served as a reminder of the importance of digital literacy and online etiquette in creating safe digital communities. The Nigerian government, alongside local institutions, should seize this moment to educate the public on digital rights, the importance of responsible online behaviour, and the psychological impact of cyberbullying. Awareness campaigns could be tailored to Nigeria’s younger demographic, leveraging popular platforms to disseminate resources, workshops, and tutorials on digital literacy, online security, and mental health support.
A society-wide understanding of the impact of cyberbullying and the tools available to counter it could significantly reduce the incidence of cyberbullying among young Nigerians. Addressing this issue at the structural level will create safer spaces for youth to express themselves online and make Nigeria’s digital landscape a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Cyberbullying among Nigerian youth is an issue that demands immediate and structured attention. The government’s current approach, limited to the Cybercrimes Act of 2015, lacks the comprehensive protections necessary to safeguard youth in today’s digital world. More needs to be done to establish a robust legal framework, bolster public awareness, and support victims effectively. By fostering collaboration across sectors—including government, educational institutions, social media platforms, and community organisations—Nigeria can move towards a more proactive, supportive approach to combating cyberbullying and promoting responsible digital citizenship.
