(Ecofin Agency) - The importance of addressing online child safety in Africa lies in the rapidly growing internet penetration and the vulnerability of young users in this digital landscape. While connectivity offers immense opportunities, it also exposes children to risks such as cyberbullying, online predators, and exposure to harmful content.

MTN Group convened policymakers, educators, advocacy groups, and digital safety experts to present findings from its Online Child Safety African Insights research in collaboration with IPSOS. The event, announced on December 10, also marked MTN’s renewed commitment to its “Help Children Be Children” (HCBC) initiative, which aims to combat online child abuse and exploitation.

MTN Group’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Nompilo Morafo, emphasized the importance of collective action. “This research underlines the urgency of equipping children with the skills to protect themselves online while empowering caregivers to create safer digital environments,” she stated.

The study, spanning Nigeria, South Sudan, and Zambia, revealed troubling statistics. Over half of children surveyed in Nigeria experienced online bullying or harassment, with many hesitant to seek help due to fear of judgment or punishment. In South Sudan, unrestricted access to inappropriate content without parental guidance contributed to heightened stress and behavioral issues. In Zambia, parents and educators highlighted the need for better online safety measures. The research also established a link between online abuse and adverse mental health outcomes in children, such as anxiety and social withdrawal.

The HCBC initiative addresses these challenges by encouraging children to advocate for online safety among peers, providing tools and resources for caregivers and educators, and promoting positive mental health outcomes by reducing exposure to harmful content.

A central component of MTN’s efforts is its partnership with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF). This collaboration has produced the Africa-wide MTN-IWF Portal, a resource for reporting harmful online content. Accessible via MTN’s website, the portal facilitates the swift removal of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). In 2023, MTN inspected over 656 million URLs, blocking harmful sites flagged by IWF’s adaptive systems.

MTN remains dedicated to safeguarding Africa’s youngest digital users. Its initiatives, including the HCBC campaign and its partnership with the Internet Watch Foundation, address critical gaps in safeguarding children. Their work aligns with global goals, including SDG 16.2, which aims to end all forms of violence against children. The proactive measures, including reporting portals and educational campaigns, help mitigate risks and ensure a safer digital future for Africa's youth. By empowering children and equipping caregivers, the organization aims to create a secure digital landscape where children can thrive without fear of exploitation or harm.

Hikmatu Bilali