MTN Nigeria is intensifying its commitment to safeguarding children in the digital space by implementing new measures to tackle online hazards such as cyberbullying, harmful content, stalking, and scams.
The company reaffirmed this dedication during its inaugural youth-led safety event, part of the Help Children Be Children (HCBC) campaign, a premier initiative focused on promoting healthy digital habits among teenagers and young adults.
Held at its Lagos headquarters, the event encouraged open discussions regarding critical issues like online exploitation and mental health, involving participation from parents, educators, and advocates to bolster the safety movement.
As part of the HCBC initiative, MTN has partnered with MTV Base to produce “Room of Safety,” a 10-episode video series that premiered on July 20, 2025, across various social media platforms. Through engaging, youth-focused storytelling, the series aims to raise awareness and equip young people with essential tools to navigate online threats safely.
A 2024 IPSOS study, commissioned by MTN and presented at the event by Marcus Hollington, Associate Director at the South Africa Ipsos Africa Centre for Development Research & Evaluation, highlighted that over 70% of Nigerian children aged 8 to 17 have access to the internet, exposing them to both opportunities and significant risks.
In the survey involving 514 participants in Lagos, 32% reported conversing with strangers online, 23% disclosed personal information, and 6% experienced harassment. Alarmingly, only 36% of those surveyed received psychological support, according to Marcus.
Ikenna Ikeme, MTN Nigeria’s general manager of regulatory affairs, stated, “We believe every child deserves a safe and protected childhood. Our support for the HCBC initiative underscores our commitment to ensuring children’s online experiences and well-being are secure.
“We are also enhancing our protective measures to safeguard everyone, especially children and young adults, by restricting access to sexual abuse materials, collaborating with law enforcement agencies, and providing an anonymous and secure platform for the public to report harmful content.”
