EXAMINING THE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE EXPERIENCES OF THE NIGERIAN CHILD IN THE INFORMATION AGE: THE NEED FOR SUSTAINABLE POSITIVE ACTIONS

Abstract

In this information age, the protection of children cannot be overemphasized. The world is an evolving space with an expectation from its inhabitants to adjust to the innovations, inventions and initiatives that occur at each point in time. There has been a progression from one age (historical era) to another marking the diverse stages of social evolution of the earth, ranging from the Prehistory, Classical, Middle Ages, Early Modern to the Modern Eras. The Modern Era is the most recent era in history. It is made up of many other time periods, including the Industrial Era, the Revolutionary Era, the Age of Imperialism, the Victorian Era, World Wars I and II, the Great Depression, and the current Contemporary Period, also called the Information Age. We are living in the Information Age, a time of unprecedented technological advancement that has transformed the life and operations of all persons, including children. This work adopting the doctrinal methodology, examines the situation of the Nigerian child in the information age and his future under the law in this transformative era. The work found that the Information Age has rubbed off on the child both positively and negatively, and the challenge has been how to retain the benefits of the age and shed the dangers associated with the age through sustainable positive actions. Effective implementation of relevant laws; strengthening of institutions; and collective efforts of all stake holders in the crusade for effective and intentional parenting and guardianship of children in this information age are recommended.