Cybersecurity experts and educators have called for stronger digital safety education for children, warning that online strangers no longer need to know a child’s home address to gain access to them.

‎The warning came at the Cybersmart Educators Initiative, CEI 2.0, organised by LEVI EDUTECH at the University of Lagos on Friday, October 23. The initiative aims to strengthen digital awareness, responsible technology use and online safety among educators and young people.

‎Anchored on the theme, “The Stranger Doesn’t Need Your Address Anymore”, the event examined the risks children face through smartphones, social media, online gaming and other digital platforms.

‎The Head of Operations at LEVI EDUTECH, Adesola-Zion Naomi, said online predators could pose as friends, classmates, gaming partners or people offering gifts and opportunities, gradually building relationships with children without their parents’ knowledge.

‎For Professor Tunde Ope-Davies of the University of Lagos Centre for Digital Humanities, the disclosure of personal information on digital platforms has weakened traditional barriers to personal safety.

‎President of the Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigeria, Olabode Agboola, identified phishing, suspicious links, cyberbullying, malware and careless sharing of personal information among the threats facing young internet users, other speakers called on educators to be better equipped to help students recognise online risks and respond appropriately.

‎The organisers say the initiative aims to strengthen digital awareness, responsible technology use and online safety among educators and young people.

‎Launched in 2024, the CEI was established by LEVI EDUTECH to equip schools, educators and leaders across primary, secondary and tertiary levels, as well as organisations and communities, with the skills and awareness needed to navigate the evolving digital landscape safely and responsibly.