Press, Parenting and More...

After Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade took to the internet to warn journalists and bloggers to steer clear of her 14-year-old daughter just after the teenager was tagged sexy and sorts after she posted some photos online. Osagie took Omotola up and asked her to concentrate more on training the girl rather than threatening outsiders. The Question we ask is, "Is Omotola's Parenting to be Questioned or the Press' Misrepresentation of issues?

Below are some laws that relate to teenagers and the internet - Please note, Nigerian law might not recognize some.
1. The law recognizes that minors under 13 must be protected and cannot be on the internet. Accordingly, The law places the affirmative duty and burden on site owners to make sure minors under the age of 13 do not use their websites. For those above 13, parents also have an absolute right to protect the distortion and misrepresentation of their children.

2. For minors 13-18 onwards, parents still have the right to protect their children and should monitor their activities on social media. The pictures and type of pictures placed online are always an issue. Once a picture goes viral, it is hard to track all sites for a takedown.

3. Parents should educate their children on the permanence and implication of social media. The list goes on and I should probably write a separate post for the parents among us. For now, let me leave you with an excerpt from Osagie’s article and hear your thoughts.