Lagos State Government officials have cautioned that unchecked exposure to global social media platforms is undermining the mental health and local awareness of Nigerian children, calling for tighter preventive measures and more effective parental involvement to safeguard young minds.
**Key details**
- The warning was delivered on 4 October 2026 at Vanguard’s Mental Health Summit held in Lagos.
- Tolu Ajomale, representing the state’s [Commissioner for Health](https://health.gov.ng), stressed that children are increasingly encountering ideas that do not reflect their Nigerian realities.
- He quoted a 10‑year‑old from Yaba comparing his life to that of a peer in California, illustrating the cross‑border influence of online content.
- Ajomale recounted a 16‑year‑old student’s remark, “I’m 16. I haven’t done much with my life,” underscoring the need for adults to listen without judgment.
- He highlighted shortages of mental‑health beds and specialists, noting that expanding facilities alone will not solve the problem.
What concerns did the official raise?
Ajomale warned that unrestricted access to foreign concepts can reshape how young Nigerians view themselves and cope with everyday challenges. He argued that children are losing touch with indigenous knowledge and essential social skills because they rely heavily on online sources that may not prepare them for local environments.
How should stakeholders respond?
The health official urged parents, schools, communities and the government to provide practical knowledge and life‑skill training, communicating in ways that resonate with youths. He called for a clearer distinction between good mental health and diagnosable mental illness, emphasizing that support, mentorship and guidance are vital even when no clinical condition is present.
Why is prevention important?
According to Ajomale, the surge in demand for mental‑health services reveals systemic gaps, including insufficient hospital beds and a dearth of qualified specialists. He advocated shifting focus toward preventive mental‑health strategies rather than relying solely on expanding treatment facilities.
For more information on mental health concepts, see the [Mental health](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_health) entry.