MTN Group convened policymakers, educators, advocacy groups, and digital safety experts to unveil the findings of its Online Child Safety African Insights research, conducted in collaboration with IPSOS.
The report, which incorporates data from Nigeria, South Sudan, and Zambia, sheds light on the pressing issues children face in the digital realm.
In Nigeria, more than half of the children surveyed reported being bullied or harassed online. Many refrained from seeking help due to fears of judgment or punishment. In South Sudan, unrestricted access to inappropriate content, coupled with insufficient parental supervision, has been linked to heightened stress and behavioral disorders in children. Meanwhile, in Zambia, parents and educators expressed an urgent need for guidance on implementing effective online safety measures.
The research also revealed a troubling link between online abuse and negative mental health outcomes among children, including anxiety and social withdrawal.
Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, emphasized the collective responsibility of safeguarding children in the digital space. “This research underlines the urgency of equipping children with the skills to protect themselves online while empowering caregivers to create safer digital environments. MTN is steadfast in our commitment to ensure the digital world offers growth and opportunity, free from harm. However, this is a collective responsibility—we cannot do it alone,” she said.
IPSOS Associate Director Marcus Hollington echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of education and peer influence. “The research underscores the urgency of equipping children with the skills they need to protect themselves online while also empowering the adults in their lives to provide effective support,” he said.
The event also showcased MTN’s ongoing efforts under its Help Children Be Children (HCBC) program. The initiative focuses on preventing online child abuse and exploitation through peer advocacy and by enhancing the capacity of caregivers and educators. MTN’s approach aims to reduce risks and promote positive mental health outcomes, addressing the emotional toll revealed in the research.
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A key element of MTN’s efforts is its partnership with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF). This collaboration led to the creation of the Africa-wide MTN-IWF Portal, a resource for reporting and addressing harmful online content. The portal, accessible at Child Online Protection | MTN.com, enables swift action against Child Sexual Abuse Material.
In 2023, MTN inspected over 656 million URLs using adaptive systems to block harmful sites identified by the IWF. This effort underscores MTN’s commitment to fostering a secure digital environment where children can thrive without fear of harm.
