The Lagos State Government has issued a notice to content creators and digital media producers. The government warns them against using children in online content that violates child protection laws.
LSDSVA Emphasize that Children must not to be props
In a press release on Monday, Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LSDSVA), expressed serious concern over the growing trend of using child actors in content that compromises their safety and dignity.
They highlighted a troubling rise in videos, skits, and other digital content. They cited where underage individuals are subjected to mockery, abuse, or exploitation, all in the name of entertainment or online engagement.
Officials emphasize that children must not be props. Any content that exposes them to degrading or harmful situations is not only unethical but also a criminal offense.
“Content creators must consider the lasting psychological, emotional, and social effects such content can have on children, as well as the legal consequences for those responsible for producing or sharing it,” the statement warned.
Lagos State Government Highlights the Key Law
The Lagos State Government has highlighted key laws designed to protect children. This includes the Child Rights Law (2015), the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015), and the Cybercrimes Act (2015).
These laws make it a serious crime to create, share, or profit from content that sexualizes, harms, or endangers children. They also criminalize exploitative child labor, physical and emotional abuse, child sexual offenses, child pornography, cyberstalking, and cyberbullying.
Under Section 32 of the Child Rights Law, anyone found guilty of sexually abusing or exploiting a child could face up to 14 years in prison.
The government emphasized that no one will be exempt from these laws. No matter their online fame or social media following. We will not accept any Ignorance of the law as an excuse.
“We reaffirm Lagos State Government’s zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of child abuse and remain committed to ensuring responsible content creation that safeguards children from harm,” the statement concluded.
