As Nigeria’s digital economy expands, growing concerns have emerged over the dangers children and teenagers face on social media, including online scams, cyberbullying, exploitation and potentially harmful relationships with strangers.
While social media offers young people opportunities to learn, express themselves and earn money, experts warn that the pursuit of popularity and online recognition can expose them to manipulation, fraud and privacy violations.
The business of going viral
Nigeria’s creator economy is growing rapidly. The Africa Creator Economy Report 2.0, published in January 2026, estimated the country’s online content-creation market at about $3.1 billion, with projections suggesting it could reach $17.8 billion by 2030.
However, the prospect of financial rewards can encourage aspiring creators to post increasingly personal or risky content in the hope of attracting followers, brand deals and monetisation opportunities.
For children, the pressure to remain visible online can come at the expense of their privacy, emotional wellbeing and personal safety.
When online admiration becomes dangerous
The report also examines how young people can develop intense attachments to social media personalities, sometimes treating online influencers as close friends or trusted mentors.
One incident involved a 19-year-old admirer of TikTok personality Abdul B.K., who travelled from Adamawa State to Kano in June 2025 hoping to meet the influencer. After the meeting failed to happen, he climbed a billboard and threatened to take his own life before security personnel intervened.
Another case involved 20-year-old Favour Agbro, who reportedly travelled to Asaba in June 2026 after content creator Ifeanyi Ogbonna, popularly known as “Odogwu of Asaba”, allegedly offered her content-creation training and assistance with monetisation. Police subsequently arrested Ogbonna in connection with allegations surrounding Agbro’s death.
The cases underscore the importance of verifying online identities and treating offers of mentorship, employment or collaboration with caution, particularly when they involve travelling to meet someone known only through social media.
Protecting children in the digital age
Communications and public relations professionals cited in the report say social media can provide young people with a sense of belonging and identity, but warn that online popularity should not become the measure of a child’s self-worth.
UNICEF has also highlighted the risks associated with children’s photographs, videos and personal information being shared online, where they may remain accessible long after publication.
Experts say parents and guardians should maintain open conversations with children about their online experiences, teach them to recognise suspicious requests and ensure they feel safe reporting uncomfortable interactions.
Schools also have a role to play by incorporating digital safety education into their programmes, while technology companies are being urged to respond more effectively to fraud, harassment and exploitation.
A growing industry needs stronger safeguards
The challenge is to protect children without denying them the educational, social and economic opportunities the internet provides.
Children should be taught to question requests for money, demands for secrecy, suspicious offers and pressure to meet online acquaintances alone. Parents should also encourage children to seek help without fear of automatically losing access to their devices.
As Nigeria’s creator economy expands, stakeholders are being urged to ensure that the pursuit of digital fame and financial success does not expose young people to avoidable harm.
The message is clear: going viral should never come at the cost of a child’s safety.
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