MTN, Africa’s leading mobile network operator, has joined forces with MTV Base—the continent’s top youth and pop culture platform—to launch Room of Safety, a groundbreaking, youth-led initiative focused on promoting online child safety and encouraging responsible digital behavior across Africa.
This collaboration is part of MTN’s broader Help Children Be Children campaign. By harnessing the influence of MTV, MTV Base, and their digital platforms, the partnership aims to spark real change in how young people navigate the internet.
At the heart of the initiative is Room of Safety, a compelling 10-part short-form video series set to premiere on 20 July 2025 at 15:00 on MTV Base (DStv channel 322) and across MTV Base’s social channels (@MTVBaseSouth and @MTVBaseAfrica). The series uses relatable, youth-driven storytelling to highlight digital risks and empower young viewers with the tools to stay safe online.
Designed for maximum reach, the campaign will roll out across multiple platforms to engage millions of young Africans, drive community conversations, and promote safer online habits. The series features Paramount’s Culture Squad member Craig Nobela, alongside a diverse group of young African influencers, including Yanda Woods, LordKez, Foyin Ongunrombi, Azana, MajorSteez, Melissa Nayimuli, Mawelele, and Naledi.
“As technology evolves, so do the risks—from AI misuse to online stalking and exploitation. At MTN, we believe access must come with protection. Our partnership with MTV Base on Room of Safety is about elevating young voices and creating a safer, more conscious digital future,” said Marina Madale, MTN Group Executive for Sustainability and Shared Value.
“For 20 years, MTV Base has championed causes that matter to Africa’s youth—from HIV awareness to gender equality and mental health,” said Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and GM of Editorial at Paramount Africa.
“Room of Safety continues that legacy by giving young people the knowledge to navigate the digital world safely.
A Local Perspective
Speaking on the initiative’s relevance in Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, MTN Ghana’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, noted:
“Online safety is essential to digital inclusion. We must create spaces where young people feel empowered to share their digital experiences with parents, teachers, and peers. Room of Safety is more than a conversation starter—it’s a strategic tool to foster trust and resilience.”
Research Highlights an Urgent Need
A recent Ipsos study, conducted in partnership with MTN in Nigeria, South Sudan, and Zambia, revealed concerning trends among children aged 8–17:
1 in 10 children in Nigeria and South Sudan have experienced online harassment.
20% of children in South Sudan report being bullied online.
In Nigeria, 79% of teens aged 13–17 spend over an hour online daily.
30–40% of teenagers across the three countries admit to adding strangers on messaging apps.
In Juba, children spending more than an hour online are 17 times more likely to engage in risky digital behaviors.
These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted online safety education and protection mechanisms tailored to African youth.
Beyond Awareness: Real Tools for Real Protection
As part of its Help Children Be Children initiative, MTN is actively working to create a safer online environment by:
- Supporting national child helplines and reporting portals.
- Expanding access to the Africa Online Safety Portal in countries lacking these services.
- Facilitating the rapid removal of harmful content, such as child sexual abuse material (CSAM), often within an hour of being reported.
Despite the availability of such tools, only 20–22% of children are aware of reporting platforms—though over 80% want service providers to offer direct ways to report online abuse. This shows a clear need for broader awareness and accessibility.
A Call to Action for a Safer Digital Africa
The protection of children online demands urgent, collective action. MTN and MTV Base are turning awareness into action through Room of Safety—equipping young people, parents, educators, and leaders with the tools they need to stay safe, speak out, and support one another.
To truly protect Africa’s next generation, we must:
- Close data gaps.
- Accelerate fit-for-purpose regulations.
- Expand digital literacy in schools.
- Foster cross-sector collaboration.
With growing risks like AI exploitation and cyberbullying, the time to act is now.
MTN and MTV Base call on all stakeholders to help build a safer, more inclusive digital future for every African child.
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
Contact:
📞 +233 541 921 562
✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
