The Role of Lifelong Digital Literacy in Preventing Online Victimisation in Nigeria

Abstract

The digital transformation of modern life has brought unprecedented risks in the form of cybercrimes, a phenomenon that disproportionately affects individuals with limited digital skills. Globally, millions of Internet users have experienced some form of online victimisation, including phishing, identity theft, cyberbullying, and online fraud. This study explores the role of lifelong digital literacy as a potential protective mechanism for reducing vulnerability to online victimisation, focusing on vulnerable populations such as older adults, low-income groups, and residents of digitally underserved regions, particularly in Nigeria. Drawing on Routine Activity and social learning theoretical perspectives, the study conceptualises digital literacy as not only a technical skill but also an evolving form of capable guardianship and behavioural adaptation alongside secure systems, regulation,
reporting mechanisms, and organisational responsibility. This study adopted a desk-based narrative review methodology with thematic synthesis to critically examine secondary literature from peer-reviewed journal articles, academic books, policy documents, and other sources. Through a thematic synthesis of the reviewed literature, this study identifies critical shortcomings in current digital literacy initiatives, including limited reach, inadequate contextualisation, and poor integration into crime prevention frameworks. The findings further suggest that integrating culturally relevant digital education into local communities may reduce vulnerability, enhance digital resilience, and improve online safety outcomes for high-risk groups in the future. While some evidence from Nigeria supports these observations, broader conclusions are informed by international studies with potential relevance to the Nigerian context. Therefore, this study recommends implementing lifelong, inclusive, and context-sensitive digital education strategies embedded in public policy and tailored to the lived realities of at-risk populations to help reduce vulnerability to cyber victimisation across the life course.