TikTok, in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Data Science Nigeria (DSN), has launched the second phase of its #SaferTogether initiative. This program aims to enhance online safety and digital awareness across Nigeria by equipping parents, teachers, and guardians with the tools and knowledge to help young people navigate TikTok and the broader digital space responsibly.
Initially launched in 2022, the #SaferTogether campaign has already achieved significant milestones. During Phase 1, it educated over 1,500 stakeholders, including 537 teachers and 1,037 parents in cities like Abuja, Lagos, and Kano, on TikTok’s safety features and the importance of promoting mental wellness in digital environments.
Phase 2 builds on this success with the addition of NITDA as a strategic partner, aligning with its mission to advance digital literacy, enhance technology infrastructure, and ensure inclusive access to digital tools and services.
This new phase will expand the campaign’s reach to more regions, including Edo and Kaduna, and address critical issues such as misinformation, cyberbullying, sexting, digital citizenship, fake news, child sexual violence, and data protection. Workshops will involve diverse stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government representatives, community leaders, parents, teachers, and guardians.
Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, TikTok’s Government Relations and Public Policy Director for Africa, emphasized the importance of empowering communities with digital literacy:
“Empowering parents, teachers, and guardians with digital literacy is not just about protection but about fostering an informed community that shapes a safer digital environment. Through partnerships like this, we are building a resilient and knowledgeable online community.”
Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi, CEO of Data Science Nigeria, echoed this sentiment:
“The digital world is integral to daily life for learning, engagement, and socializing. It is our shared responsibility to make it safer, and we are excited to continue the Safer Together campaign to provide essential insights on digital wellness to parents, teachers, and guardians.”
DSN will design content and curriculum for Phase 2, leveraging TikTok’s Trust and Safety team to highlight safety features and tools. TikTok also offers resources such as its Safety Centre and Guardian’s Guide, providing up-to-date best practices for maintaining digital safety.
This collaboration reinforces TikTok, NITDA, and DSN’s commitment to creating a safer cyberspace in Nigeria while building trust and resilience in the digital community.
