MTN, Africa’s largest mobile network operator, has joined forces with MTV Base, the continent’s leading youth entertainment platform, to launch Room of Safety—a bold, youth-led initiative aimed at combating online harassment, cyberbullying, and other digital threats facing African children and teenagers.
Unveiled as part of MTN’s broader “Help Children Be Children” campaign, this pan-African partnership seeks to empower young people with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the digital world safely. Through relatable storytelling and dynamic youth engagement, Room of Safety is designed to reshape online behavior and build a culture of digital responsibility across the continent.
A New Era of Youth-Led Digital Safety
At the core of the initiative is a 10-part short-form video series titled Room of Safety, set to premiere on Saturday, 20 July 2025, at 15:00 GMT on MTV Base (DStv channel 322) and across MTV Base’s social platforms (@MTVBaseSouth and @MTVBaseAfrica). The series uses real-life scenarios and culturally relevant narratives to address the dangers of the digital space, including cyberbullying, online stalking, identity theft, AI exploitation, and peer pressure in the age of social media.
Each episode features youth voices and talents from across Africa, including Paramount’s Culture Squad member Craig Nobela and a cast of influential young Africans such as Yanda Woods, LordKez, Foyin Ongunrombi, Azana, MajorSteez, Melissa Nayimuli, Mawelele, and Naledi. Their stories spotlight the real struggles of young internet users and offer actionable advice on how to stay safe and support others online.
A Powerful Partnership with Purpose
Marina Madale, MTN Group Executive for Sustainability and Shared Value, emphasized the growing risks facing African youth in the digital age: “As technology evolves, so do the risks—from AI misuse to cyber exploitation. At MTN, we believe that access must come with protection. Our partnership with MTV Base on Room of Safety is about elevating youth voices and driving change through education and engagement.”
Echoing this sentiment, Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and GM of Editorial at Paramount Africa, said: “For 20 years, MTV Base has led conversations on critical issues affecting African youth—from HIV awareness to mental health and gender equality. With Room of Safety, we continue this legacy by equipping young people to protect themselves and others in today’s complex digital landscape.”
A Ghanaian Perspective
In Ghana, where MTN is the largest telecommunications provider, the launch of Room of Safety has been met with strong support. Adwoa Wiafe, MTN Ghana’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, highlighted the initiative’s local importance: “Online safety is essential to true digital inclusion. Young Ghanaians must feel empowered to talk about their online experiences with parents, teachers, and peers. Room of Safety is not just a campaign—it’s a tool for trust, learning, and community resilience.”
Research Reveals Urgent Need for Action
A recent Ipsos study, conducted in collaboration with MTN in Nigeria, South Sudan, and Zambia, revealed alarming statistics about children’s online experiences:
1 in 10 children in Nigeria and South Sudan reported being harassed online.
20% of children in South Sudan said they were victims of online bullying.
In Nigeria, 79% of teens aged 13–17 spend over an hour online daily.
Across all three countries, 30–40% of teens admitted to chatting with strangers on messaging apps.
In Juba, children spending over an hour online are 17 times more likely to engage in risky digital behaviors.
These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted, youth-centered interventions that not only raise awareness but also provide tangible solutions.
Beyond Awareness—Real Tools for Real Protection
MTN’s Help Children Be Children campaign extends beyond content to include a range of safety-focused services and interventions. These include:
Support for national child helplines and digital abuse reporting platforms.
Expansion of the Africa Online Safety Portal in countries where such resources are lacking.
Rapid removal of harmful content, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM), often within one hour of being reported.
Despite the availability of these tools, only 20–22% of children are aware of them. Yet, more than 80% want mobile service providers to offer direct ways to report online abuse. This awareness gap reveals the need for stronger digital literacy and outreach.
A Continent-Wide Call to Action
Room of Safety represents a larger call to action for African governments, educators, tech companies, parents, and youth themselves to work together in building a safer digital ecosystem.
To secure the digital future of Africa’s children, the initiative calls for:
Closing data gaps on child online safety.
Accelerating digital safety legislation and enforcement.
Introducing digital citizenship curricula in schools.
Strengthening cross-sector partnerships for digital rights protection.
The Future Starts Now
As online threats grow more sophisticated, MTN and MTV Base are putting young people at the center of the solution. With Room of Safety, they are not just raising awareness—they’re providing a platform for action, dialogue, and empowerment.
In the words of Marina Madale: “We cannot allow technology to outpace protection. Together with MTV Base, we’re creating safe spaces—both online and offline—where African youth can thrive.”
The premiere of Room of Safety marks a defining moment in Africa’s digital evolution. It’s not just a series—it’s a movement. And for millions of African teens, it could be the first step toward a safer, brighter online future.
