Award-winning Nigerian actress and social advocate Kate Henshaw has urged parents to establish strict boundaries on their children’s use of mobile phones and social media to safeguard their focus, character, and real-life relationships.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Nivo News, Henshaw delivered the message on Wednesday at the Chrisland Schools End-of-Year Lecture in Opebi, Lagos, speaking to Senior Secondary School students on the theme, “Appreciating Parents’ and Teachers’ Investments Within Modern-Day Distractions.” She highlighted that unrestricted access to screens is negatively impacting young people’s attention spans and interpersonal skills.
“We are living in a digital world. During my time, we didn’t grow up with smartphones and the internet. We had real human connections,” Henshaw said. “Children today are surrounded by screens vying for their attention, making it harder for them to focus on their studies and character development.”
Henshaw referenced Australia’s recent restriction on social media for children under 16, describing it as timely and relevant to Nigeria. She emphasized the importance of parental guidance in mitigating the risks of cyberbullying, online comparison, and distorted self-perception.
“Some children don’t have phones at home, and I found that refreshing. For those who do, parents need to set clear boundaries—wake up, do chores, study, rest, and then allow limited device use in the evening,” she said. “The world on social media is not real. Children begin to second-guess themselves or feel unfulfilled, thinking they deserve what their friends have. Parents must be present; otherwise, devices take over.”
Henshaw also called on the Nigerian government to consider implementing digital safety measures similar to those abroad. “Even in my workplace, before filming begins, everyone, no matter how senior, deposits their phones to stay focused. Phones are incredibly distracting,” she noted.
Chrisland Schools Director of Schools, Mrs. Ayoola Akinyeye, explained that Henshaw’s visit aimed to help students differentiate between authentic human connections and online illusions, particularly as they prepare for the holidays with increased phone access. She described the school’s multi-layered approach to digital safety, including antivirus software, server-level controls, and usage restrictions.
“Teenagers will misuse social media; it’s part of their growth. What we do is teach them the dangers and help them build healthy habits. Many parents grew up in a different world and don’t understand the risks their children face. You wouldn’t hand your child a car without teaching them to drive, so why give them a phone without guidance?” Akinyeye said.
