Only 39 percent and 36 percent of Nigerian parents and children respectively are in support of a global move began in Australia to have social media access banned to children under 16 years of age, a preliminary report of a global research on the subject has shown.
Nigeria’s low support for the ban is just slightly above Japan where 38 percent of parents and 20 percent of children favour the ban.
A broad summary of the preliminary findings of the ongoing research revealed the highest support of 77 percent in Malaysia, and 75 percent in India by parents in this first global intergenerational study covering 15 countries.
According to data from the findings, only a three-point gap separates the views of parents and children in Nigeria regarding their support level for the ban – only a 3-point gap compared to parents. It represents the smallest gap globally, as support for a ban among children is highest in Malaysia, India at 62 percent respectively, and China at 50 percent, but lowest in Japan at 20 percent.
Further detail shows that 41 percent of Nigeria’s Gen Z, regarded as the first true digital natives, support a social media ban for under-16s, compared to 51 percent globally.
Support for the ban is highest in India at 73 percent and UAE at 67 percent, and lowest in Japan at 28 percent, UK and Canada both at 40 percent respectively.
The global research by Family First, a Varkey Foundation initiative, is on the back of Australia’s first-of-its-kind ban on social media for under-16s, which has seen more than two dozen countries around the world proposing similar bans.
Nigerian children covered are between nine to 18 years. Globally, a majority of Gen Z respondents worldwide representing 51 percent support banning social media for under-16s – particularly noteworthy given they are the first generation to have grown up with social media from childhood. In Nigeria, support among Gen Z decreases to 41 percent, the report found.
This world’s first global intergenerational study of family bonding, surveying children, parents, Gen Z and grandparents, will have the full results released in June by Family First, and it will feature the world’s first Family Bonding Index, which assigns countries a score based on the strength of family connections.
According to an explanatory statement on the findings, this preliminary results highlight differences between generations in their views on banning social media for under-16s in their respective countries.
Among the countries surveyed, support is highest in Malaysia (77%), India (75%), and France (74%). Japan records the lowest level of support at 38 percent, followed by Nigeria (39%) and the US (51%).
It noted that the data reveals a divide between parents and children throughout the world, adding that although in Nigeria, there is only 3-point gap between children and their parents when it comes to support for banning social media for under-16s. Australia has the widest generational gap globally (34 points), followed by Sweden (33 points) and Canada (32 points).
The research found that globally, only 37 percent of children support a ban on social media for under-16s. Support among young people is highest in Malaysia (62%), India (62%), and China (50%). It is lowest in Japan (20%), Argentina, and Sweden (both 26%).
The research also showed that 41 percent of Gen Z in Nigeria support a social media ban for under-16s. This compares to 51 percent globally. Support for the ban is highest in India (73%), UAE (67%), and Malaysia (65%) and lowest in Japan (28%), UK and Canada (both 40%).
“This research highlights a growing tension many families are experiencing in the digital age. Parents throughout the world are increasingly concerned about the impact social media may be having on their children. Our aim with Family First is not simply to debate bans, but to start a broader conversation about how technology is shaping family relationships and the values young people grow up with. If we want stronger families tomorrow, we must help children develop healthy relationships with technology today,” said Sunny Varkey, founder of Family First and the Varkey Foundation.
Family First is a global movement launched by the Varkey Foundation to strengthen intergenerational bonds between children, parents and grandparents, with the aim of building stronger communities across generations. Launched by Sunny Varkey, founder of GEMS Education, the movement reflects a longstanding commitment to fostering strong family values and encouraging greater support between children and parents, contributing to healthier and longer lives. It is rooted in the belief that education goes far beyond academic achievement – it shapes values and develops not only students, but future parents, future leaders, and stronger societies.
