Globacom has partnered with the National Council for Women Societies to expand its ‘Safe SIM Programme’ to promote safe internet use among Nigerian children.

The partnership was announced during a meeting with NCWS members in Abuja on Thursday, led by the council’s national president, Edna Azura, alongside senior officials of the telecommunications company.

Head of operations for the programme, David Ibrahim, described the initiative as a school-based intervention designed to support children’s learning while protecting them from harmful online content and digital risks.

Mr Ibrahim explained that the specialised SIM card, configured for use in tablets, phones and similar devices, restricts access to inappropriate websites and creates a safer digital environment for educational engagement.

According to him, the technology was developed in response to growing parental concerns about children’s exposure to pornography, betting platforms and other unsafe online spaces while using internet-enabled devices for schoolwork or entertainment.

He noted that many parents struggled to monitor their children’s digital activities, adding that the programme provides a technological safeguard that blocks harmful sites through continuous monitoring supported by a dedicated, round-the-clock server.

Mr Ibrahim said Globacom was collaborating with key stakeholders nationwide, including faith-based organisations such as the Christian Association of Nigeria, to ensure widespread awareness and responsible digital practices among young users.

He cited research indicating that many Nigerian children aged four to 16 had already encountered negative online content, stressing the need for proactive systems to prevent long-term social and behavioural consequences.

The official added that the SIM card was not commercially available and could only function after proper configuration, ensuring controlled deployment through schools, religious institutions and partner organisations involved in child development programmes.

Mr Ibrahim disclosed that although Nigeria has an estimated 50 million children, only about 100,000 Safe SIM units are currently available, underscoring the importance of partnerships like NCWS to scale the initiative responsibly.

He further revealed that the programme included a complementary digital literacy component, ‘TechHeroes’, designed to train children to use technology productively while avoiding harmful platforms and online distractions.

Ms Azura commended the initiative as timely, noting that it provided a secure, child-friendly communication framework aligned with efforts to safeguard the welfare and future of Nigerian children.

Ms Azura observed that while digital technology had become essential for learning, communication, and social interaction, it also introduced risks such as cyberbullying, exploitation, and exposure to inappropriate content, requiring structured protective measures.

She restated that child protection remained a shared responsibility, adding that collaboration between the private sector and civil society demonstrated how innovation could be harnessed to empower children while ensuring their safety online.

(NAN)