TikTok has announced an ambitious partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Data Science Nigeria (DSN) as part of the second phase of its #SaferTogether initiative, aimed at increasing digital safety awareness across Nigerian communities.
The new phase of the program was unveiled in a recent press release, highlighting a commitment to empower parents, teachers, and guardians with critical tools designed to help young users navigate the online landscape safely. This expansion will extend into additional regions, specifically targeting Edo and Kaduna states, in an effort to cultivate safer digital environments for young Nigerians.
The #SaferTogether initiative was originally launched in 2022, where it made significant strides by educating 1,574 key stakeholders in major urban areas such as Abuja, Lagos, and Kano.
The first phase primarily equipped 537 teachers and 1,037 parents with valuable insights into TikTok’s safety features, while also promoting positive mental health practices in the digital context.
Given the success of Phase 1, TikTok has broadened the reach and involvement in Phase 2, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy. “We believe that empowering parents, teachers, and guardians with digital literacy skills is not just about protecting users—it is about enabling an informed community to actively shape a safer digital environment for everyone,” stated Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, TikTok’s Government Relations and Public Policy Director for Africa.
The new phase will delve into pressing issues such as misinformation, cyberbullying, sexting, digital citizenship, and data protection. This broader engagement will encompass civil society organizations, government representatives, community leaders, and local residents, fostering a more inclusive dialogue around online safety. The collaboration with NITDA is central to enhancing the educational framework of this initiative.
The Founder and CEO of Data Science Nigeria, Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi, emphasized the collective responsibility to safeguard the digital space.
According to him, a shared responsibility to make this space safer, and we are excited to continue with the Safer Together campaign, providing parents, teachers, and guardians with essential insights on digital wellness.
The collaboration will also provides practical resources for parents and guardians through TikTok’s Safety Centre, offering updated best practices on digital safety. The second phase is set to reach even more regions, creating a national dialogue on safeguarding young users from the risks of the digital world.
