Social Media, AI Pose Serious Threat to Children – Shehu Sani
Former lawmaker and rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani, has warned that social media and artificial intelligence, AI, are posing serious threats to the education and discipline of children in the current generation.
Sani raised the concern in a post on X on Monday, describing social media as the biggest distraction confronting young people today.
He said many parents are increasingly worried about the growing influence of mobile phones and online platforms on their children.
The former senator referenced steps taken by countries such as Australia, which has banned children under the age of 16 from accessing social media.
He also noted that France and Britain are currently considering similar restrictions.
According to Sani, the emergence and rapid growth of artificial intelligence have further worsened the situation.
He stressed that urgent measures must be taken to protect young people from harmful digital influences.
“Without doubt, social media is the biggest distraction to the education and discipline of the children of this generation,” he said.
“Australia has banned the under-16s from social media, and France and Britain are thinking of doing the same.
“Nowadays, every parent has a story to tell about the influence of phones and social media on their kids.
“AI further complicates the problem. We have a monster to deal with. It is not easy, but the young must be rescued.”
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
