By Chinenye Anuforo
MTN is pushing for safer digital environment amid reports that children in Lagos are increasingly exposed to dangers in the cyber space.
The push is anchored on the findings of a study presented at MTN Nigeria’s Help Children Be Children campaign event held in Lagos, recently.
The research, conducted by Ipsos Africa Centre for Development Research & Evaluation, revealed alarming trends in how young people engage online, with risks ranging from cyberbullying to sexual exploitation.
The survey of children aged 8 to 17 found that 79 percent spend at least an hour online daily, mostly through parents’ mobile phones, school computers, or limited home data access. While digital platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Gmail, and YouTube offer opportunities for learning and connection, they were also cited as the most common sources of harassment and abuse.
One in 10 children reported experiencing online harassment, while one in twenty admitted to being bullied or abused. Even more troubling, three in ten said they had added strangers to their contact lists, and one in ten had engaged in sexual conversations with online acquaintances. The risks escalate with age: 32 percent of teenagers acknowledged meeting strangers they first encountered online, compared to 4 percent of younger children aged 8 to 12.
Marcus Hollington, Associate Director at Ipsos Africa, warned that such encounters create opportunities for sexual abuse, exploitation, and even human trafficking. “The findings are deeply concerning. Without strong parental guidance and safeguards, children remain vulnerable in digital spaces,” he said.
The study further revealed that children without parental rules on internet use were nine to ten times more likely to engage in risky behavior than those with clear household guidelines. Only 22 percent of respondents were aware of online safety portals for reporting abuse, highlighting a critical gap in awareness.
Speaking at the event, Ikenna Ikeme, General Manager, Regulatory Affairs at MTN Nigeria, stressed that the company’s mission goes beyond connectivity. “The internet is an incredible tool, but it comes with fundamental risks.
For MTN, it’s not just about connecting people, but making those connections safe, smart, and empowering. Our flagship Help Children Be Children campaign is about creating healthier and safer digital experiences for young people,” he said.
Kemi Adisa, GM, Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Nigeria, reiterated the call for shared responsibility, thanking partners such as META, Tech4Dev, educators, caregivers, and youth representatives for their input. “Every child deserves the freedom to simply be a child, whether online or offline. As we continue this initiative, we remain committed to ensuring that technology not only connects but protects, empowers, and inspires,” she said.
Joining virtually, Monde Twala, Senior Vice President & GM, Paramount Africa, highlighted the impact of the MTV Base Room of Safety video series, a youth-led collaboration between MTN and MTV Base. “Young people need spaces to speak honestly about their online realities. Room of Safety amplifies their voices, and we’re proud to partner with MTN on this important mission.”
Two episodes from the Room of Safety series, “Why Internet Safety Matters” and “The Pressure of Likes, Followers, and Influencers,” were screened, followed by an empowerment session led by Blessing Ashi-Bamidele, Head of Programs at Tech4Dev, who emphasised the importance of equipping children with digital skills, not just warnings.
The Youth Realities Panel, featuring Rhoda Adebonojo, Akindele Emmanuel, Anekwu Precious Ufedo, and Dorasimi Destiny Nadi, brought the conversation to life with personal stories of peer pressure, online image struggles, and navigating harmful content.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) participated in the event, with NCC representatives present and sharing downloadable educational materials on child online safety, highlighting the importance of regulatory involvement in safeguarding children online.
Panel discussions and interactive sessions at the event reinforced the urgent need for inclusive digital spaces. Stakeholders, including NGOs and technology experts, urged parents to engage children in conversations about online safety, remain alert to suspicious activities, and leverage resources such as MTN’s “Room of Safety” video series for guidance.
The Ipsos report concluded with a call for urgent reforms, including stronger legal frameworks, expanded parental education, improved reporting mechanisms, and targeted online safety campaigns. Unless action is taken, it warned, Nigerian children will continue to face serious risks of harm in the digital space
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