Virtually Safe
Research & Data

Research & Data-Driven Insights

We conduct localized research, surveys, and evidence-driven studies to understand and address the online safety challenges facing young Nigerians.

Evaluating Young People's Online Experience In Nigeria

Virtually Safe conducts localised research, surveys, and evidence-driven studies to build a clear picture of the digital safety landscape for young Nigerians. Our research informs our programmes, advocacy, and policy recommendations.

We understand that an education-based approach alone will not be entirely effective; we need expert knowledge grounded in research to tackle online harms effectively.

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Surveys

Large-scale surveys of young people, parents, and educators

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Studies

Evidence-driven studies on online harms and interventions

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Local Focus

Research grounded in the Nigerian context and experience

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Policy Input

Findings shared with policymakers to drive change

Understanding the Digital Risks Facing Our Youth

Key findings from our research on young people's online experiences in Nigeria

Finding 1

Young people agree that using the internet comes with significant risks.

Finding 2

Many have experienced negative feelings following an online interaction.

Finding 3

Few felt able to report issues to a trusted adult or their parents.

Finding 4

Some young people have parents and teachers as friends on their social media pages.

Finding 5

Many would prefer not to have these figures on their social media profiles.

Finding 6

Students actively use social media apps.

Finding 7

Many students have been exposed to online pornography.

Finding 8

Some students have engaged in underage betting.

Download Our Research Reports

Access the full reports from our surveys, vox pops, and school tour programmes — free to download.

School Tour2021

Online Safety Report 2021

Survey of 1,000+ students aged 10–19 across 6 geopolitical zones. 62% had no prior online safety knowledge before training; 88% gained clear understanding after.

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School Tour2024

Online Safety Report 2024

437 schools across 22 states. 85% agree the internet has risks; only 15% knew they could report online harms; 39% had betted online.

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Vox Pop2024

Vox Pop: CSAM Report 2024

Adult vox pop on child sexual abuse material. 70% reported seeing explicit content on social media; 100% agree sharing child images for sexual purposes is exploitation.

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Vox Pop2024

Vox Pop: Online Betting 2024

Adult and parent perspectives on online gambling. 80% encountered betting ads; 60% had betted; 55% of teachers aware of underage betting but unsure how to prevent it.

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Vox Pop2025

Betting Vox Pop Report 2025

Adults aged 40+ on gambling harms. 100% know about betting; 60% currently bet; 100% have lost money. Major effects: addiction (60%), bankruptcy (40%).

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Vox Pop2025

CSAM Vox Pop Report 2025

Community survey in Ikotun, Lagos. 75% active social media users; 60% regularly encounter inappropriate content; 100% have seen suspected CSAM.

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Partner With Us on Research

Interested in collaborating on research initiatives or commissioning localised data? Get in touch with our team.

Contact Us