Experts warn that Nigerian youths’ misuse of the digital space fuels addiction, stress, and fraud, urging responsible use and digital literacy

Nigerian youths and digital space misuse has sparked concern among experts, who are calling for more responsible use of technology to safeguard mental health and promote societal growth.

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At the fourth Nigeria Conference on Adolescent and Youth Health Development in Port Harcourt, convened by the Society for Adolescent and Young People’s Health in Nigeria (SAYPHIN), health and academic leaders warned about the dangers of digital abuse.

Delivering the keynote, Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, urged young Nigerians to maximize the benefits of digital tools while avoiding harmful habits.

“Digital addiction can lead to a decrease in physical activities and poor mental health,” she cautioned.

While praising technology for enhancing communication and innovation, she listed its downsides: cyberbullying, fraud, misinformation, stress, and anxiety.

She advocated for resilience through digital literacy, emotional intelligence, and responsible technology use.

Professor Adesegun Fatusi, President of SAYPHIN and former Vice Chancellor of UNIMED, described the conference as the largest gathering of stakeholders in adolescent and youth health in Nigeria.

He emphasized that digital technology is one of the most defining dynamics of modern youth development.

“This conference seeks to position us to harness the amazing opportunities of digital technology while equipping young people to face the huge challenges that come with compulsive and abusive use,” Fatusi said.

Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Omosivie Maduka, explained that the conference actively engaged youths and adolescents across Nigeria to ensure solutions are pragmatic and tailored to their real-life challenges.

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The event drew policymakers, academics, and development partners, including UNICEF, UNFPA, and Girl Effect, signaling a united push to balance digital opportunities with the risks of misuse.