The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on children to refrain from acquiring harmful knowledge through the internet as this could be detrimental to their development.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission Chief Tony Ojukwu OFR , SAN, FICMC made this call in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2023 Day of the African Child 2023.
He emphasized the importance of using the internet for positive learning instead of getting distracted by harmful information online.
Chief Ojukwu acknowledged that while the internet was not specifically designed for children, it has become an indispensable tool for their development.
He highlighted the growing number of students who are using the internet for educational purposes, benefiting from its vast information resources and opportunities for personal growth.
However, he also cautioned that the digital environment comes with its own risks and challenges, including exposure to harmful or toxic information.
"There is a time for everything; don't delve into unnecessary content at this stage. Utilize the internet for acquiring the right knowledge, focusing on positive information rather than negative influences," the NHRC Boss advised.
In his remark, the Chairperson of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, Hon. Joseph Ndayisenga, who was represented by a member of the Committee, Barrister Aver Gavar, who is also the Director of Human Rights Education and Promotion in the Commission, emphasized the significant impact of the digital environment on children's lives.
Gavar informed the children in attendance that the Committee recognizes the invaluable opportunities the internet presents for realizing children's fundamental rights, such as access to education, freedom of expression, and freedom of association.
Prominent organizations and guests, including UN Women, ActionAid, NAPTIP, and the Federal Ministry of Education, delivered goodwill messages during the event. They express their strong commitment to support the NHRC in fulfilling its mandate.
