MTN, Africa’s leading telecommunications provider, has partnered with MTV Base, the continent’s foremost youth entertainment platform, to launch Room of Safety, a powerful, youth-led video series aimed at addressing the growing dangers children and teenagers face online.
The initiative, which forms part of MTN’s wider “Help Children Be Children” campaign, is designed to raise awareness about online threats while equipping young people across Africa with practical knowledge and tools to stay safe in the digital world. The campaign comes at a time when young internet users are increasingly vulnerable to cyberbullying, harassment, AI-driven scams, and inappropriate content.
The 10-part short-form video series will premiere on Saturday, July 20, 2025, at 3:00 PM GMT on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and across MTV Base’s digital platforms, including @MTVBaseSouth and @MTVBaseAfrica on social media.
Each episode presents relatable, real-life stories drawn from the digital experiences of African youth. The series features voices from across the continent, including Paramount’s Culture Squad member Craig Nobela, alongside prominent young influencers such as Yanda Woods, LordKez, Foyin Ongunrombi, Azana, MajorSteez, Melissa Nayimuli, Mawelele, and Naledi.
Speaking at the launch, Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Editorial at Paramount Africa, said the series continues MTV Base’s tradition of youth advocacy. “For two decades, MTV Base has given young Africans a platform to speak up on issues that matter—HIV, gender equality, mental health. Room of Safety builds on that legacy by helping youth navigate digital spaces with confidence, empathy, and awareness.”
Marina Madale, MTN Group Executive for Sustainability and Shared Value, stressed the importance of digital inclusion coming with protection. “While access to the internet offers opportunities, it also brings serious risks. As technology evolves, so must our approach to safeguarding children online. This partnership with MTV Base enables us to reach youth where they are—on social media and on screen—with messages that resonate and empower.”
In Ghana, the campaign aligns with ongoing national efforts to improve digital literacy and safety. Adwoa Wiafe, MTN Ghana’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, described Room of Safety as an essential tool for Ghanaian youth and their communities. “Online safety is central to meaningful digital participation. Room of Safety opens up space for honest dialogue among children, parents, and educators. It’s more than a campaign—it’s a movement to build resilience and trust in a rapidly evolving digital world.”
The urgency of the initiative is underlined by findings from a 2024 Ipsos study commissioned by MTN, which surveyed children aged 8–17 in Nigeria, South Sudan, and Zambia. The study revealed alarming statistics:
1 in 10 children in Nigeria and South Sudan had experienced online harassment.
In South Sudan, 20% of children reported being bullied online.
79% of Nigerian teens aged 13–17 spend over an hour online daily.
30–40% of youth across the surveyed countries admitted to chatting with strangers on messaging apps.
In Juba, children who spend more than an hour online daily were 17 times more likely to engage in risky digital behavior.
These figures reflect the pressing need for digital safety education that is not only accessible but also relatable to African youth.
In addition to the video series, MTN is rolling out a suite of safety interventions as part of the Help Children Be Children campaign. These include support for national child helplines, reporting platforms, and the Africa Online Safety Portal. The company is also working to ensure that harmful content—such as child sexual abuse material (CSAM)—is removed from digital platforms swiftly, often within an hour of being reported.
Despite the availability of such resources, awareness remains low. The Ipsos study found that only 20–22% of children know how to report online abuse, even though over 80% want telecom providers to offer direct reporting mechanisms.
The Room of Safety campaign therefore serves as both an awareness tool and a call to action. MTN and MTV Base are urging policymakers, educators, tech companies, and families to:
Close information and data gaps on online safety;
Accelerate fit-for-purpose child protection regulations;
Integrate digital literacy into school curricula; and
Strengthen cross-sector collaboration for sustained impact. “We need a united front to secure the digital future of Africa’s youth,” said Marina Madale. “This initiative is a critical step toward that goal.”
As the premiere date approaches, anticipation is growing across the continent. With its bold messaging, relatable stories, and influential cast, Room of Safety promises to be more than just entertainment—it’s a platform for empowerment and a critical tool in building a safer digital Africa for generations to come.
