Internet Safety Stakeholders Forum (ISSF)
A multi-stakeholder platform that brings together policymakers, educators, parents, tech companies, and civil society to facilitate discussion on online safety and digital policy in Nigeria.
About the ISSF
The Internet Safety Stakeholders Forum (ISSF) is Virtually Safe's flagship annual event that gathers key stakeholders to discuss, debate, and develop actionable solutions to the online safety crisis facing young people in Nigeria.
The ISSF was one of the most important outcomes of Virtually Safe's Africa Online Safety Fund in 2022. After carrying out various projects funded by Impact Amplifier and Google.org, the team recognised the need for a permanent forum where internet stakeholders can meet to discuss issues and progress around internet safety.
The forum creates a collaborative space where government officials, school administrators, parents, NGOs, and technology companies can align on a shared vision for safer digital environments.
Hosted in May 2024 — Virtually Safe's inaugural multi-stakeholder internet safety forum
11 groups of 4 participants engaged in 1-hour online safety quizzes and discussions
Two panel sessions featuring 6 speakers from cybersecurity, healthcare, media, and fintech
Young people, parents, teachers, NGOs, and tech companies all represented at the forum
What to Expect at ISSF
- ✓Engaging panel discussions on digital well-being, online betting, social media grooming, and online harassment
- ✓Interactive sessions with Virtually Safe's Bambi Online Safety Board Game
- ✓Keynote speeches from cybersecurity experts, healthcare practitioners, and ICT development specialists
- ✓Distribution of online safety resources including The Adventures of Chimamanda and Yusuf storybook
- ✓Networking sessions connecting stakeholders across education, policy, technology, and civil society
Panel Sessions — ISSF 2024
Two panel sessions featured six leading voices in cybersecurity, health, media, gambling, and digital rights.
Panel 1: Cybersecurity, Digital Wellbeing & Online Grooming
Detiem Taiwo
Cyber Security Enthusiast & Programs Manager, Cyber Safe Foundation
Explored the concept of cyber security and how organisations must become cyber-aware.
Ebere Okonkwo
Founder, Mental Health Care Startup
Explained digital well-being, how the internet affects mental health, and steps to recover from online harms.
Chichi Umeseaka
Media Executive
Shed light on online grooming — the warning signs and how to protect children from online harms.
Panel 2: Gambling, Mental Health & CSAM
Fisayo Oke
Founder, Gamble Alert & Gaming Operations Manager
Explained how gaming and betting operations work, the disadvantages of online betting, and urged the audience to become advocates for online safety.
Dr. Chioma Nwakanma-Akanno
Healthcare Physician
Explored creating a healthy balance between online and offline lives and effective strategies to combat cyberbullying and online harassment, as a victim and a bystander.
Gabrael Odunsi
ICT Development Practitioner
Focused on Child Sexual Abusive Materials (CSAM) and how social media platforms and tech companies can be held accountable for preventing the spread of CSAM.
What Attendees Said
"Thank you for organising such an impactful event."
"We look forward to a 2.0 of this event."
"As a speaker, I also learnt new things and why it's important to be an advocate for online safety."
Download the ISSF Report
Read the full report from the inaugural Internet Safety Stakeholders Forum, including session summaries and key outcomes.
Download ISSF Report (PDF)Stay Informed
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