Internet Day: Censors Board wants safer use for youth

The Executive Director of National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Mr Adedayo Thomas, has called on government agencies and other stakeholders to sensitise youth on the safe and positive use of the internet.

He made the call on Tuesday while delivering his speech at an event to mark the 2018 Safer Internet Day in Abuja.

Globally, Safer Internet Day is marked on February 6, to create awareness, advice and support to young people, parents and guardians on how to ensure safer use of the internet.

This year’s edition, with the theme “Create, Connect and Share Respect: A Better Internet Starts With You”, urges stakeholders to play their part in creating a better internet for everyone.

Thomas said that there was need for young Nigerians, especially students to be tutored on safe and productive use of the internet especially this digital era of communication that allows access to information through the new media.

“It is no longer news that digital technology has taken over the world, therefore, we must teach our children and young people how to stay safe on the internet.

“They need to be equipped with the necessary skills to use the internet in a responsible manner. I urge my colleagues in Government and other stakeholders, especially in the education sector, to join hands in identifying effective methods in making online safety a norm in our society,” he said.

In his remark, the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed who was represented by Mr Greyne Anosike, Director of ICT in the Ministry, urged the NFVCB to take the message of Safer Internet for Nigerian youth to the National Council on Information for states to key into its campaign.

He said: “All state commissioners of information in Nigeria are members of the National Council of Information, and they can take the Internet Safety campaign to their respective states.” [NAN]