As part of the global #16DaysOfActivism, the Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma Empowerment Foundation (ICCEF), in partnership with Naija Feminists Media (NFM), carried out a school-based digital safety and media literacy programme across three secondary schools in Lagos. The programme focused on equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to navigate digital spaces safely, responsibly, and respectfully, especially in the face of rising cyberbullying, online harassment, and image-based abuse affecting women and girls.
The digital safety sessions were held at Maranatha Schools, Ogudu; Blooming Lights School, Omole; and Star Diamond School, Ojodu, reaching students from JSS3 to SS3. Across the three schools, students participated in interactive workshops that explored responsible social media use, online privacy and consent, cyberbullying, harmful online content, image-based abuse, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence. The sessions also emphasised the importance of understanding digital footprints and protecting personal information online.
Facilitated by Kosisochukwu Ani, contributing writer at Naija Feminists Media, the workshops introduced students to social media as powerful tools for connection, learning, creativity, advocacy, and even income generation, while also highlighting the risks that come with unsafe use. Students were guided through popular platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp, YouTube, Snapchat, Telegram, and others, using practical examples drawn from their everyday experiences. A key takeaway reinforced across all sessions was the importance of T.H.I.N.K. (True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind) before posting online.
The programme also featured interactive group activities led by Simbiat Bakare, Founding Director of Naija Feminists Media. Through role-play scenarios, group discussions, and creative exercises such as poetry and presentations, students identified common digital risks, practised responding to cyberbullying and harassment, and reflected on how their online behaviour impacts themselves and others. These activities encouraged teamwork, critical thinking, and open conversations around digital violence.
Students across all three schools engaged actively, asking thoughtful questions about privacy settings, reporting online abuse, AI ethics, oversharing, and dealing with harmful content. Many expressed a commitment to becoming digital safety advocates within their schools by promoting respectful online communication and supporting peers who experience online harm.
Speaking during the sessions, Ayotola Olanrewaju, Programme Officer at ICCEF, emphasised the importance of early digital safety education, noting that cyberbullying, non-consensual sharing of images, and online harassment can perpetuate gender inequality and emotional harm. She highlighted the need to engage young people early so they understand their rights, responsibilities, and the power of using technology safely and respectfully.
Ohunene Majebi, Communications Officer at ICCEF, reinforced the long-term vision of the programme, stressing that the initiative aims to raise a generation that can recognise digital violence and actively stand against it, both online and offline. She encouraged students to respond when they witness online harassment and to support peers facing digital harm, emphasising that online violence has real-life consequences.
Each session concluded with a collective digital responsibility pledge led by Simbiat Bakare:“Your future self is watching. What you post today creates the digital you that schools, employers, and friends will meet tomorrow. Make sure it is a version you are proud of. When in doubt, don’t post.”
This pledge symbolised the students’ commitment to making thoughtful, responsible choices online and contributing to safer, more inclusive digital spaces.
Through this partnership, ICCEF and Naija Feminists Media reaffirm their commitment to empowering young people with the tools to navigate the digital world safely, challenge online violence, and use technology as a force for positive change.
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