Written by Alice Njoki
On September 16, 2025, leading voices from Africa’s technology sector, child protection groups, and youth influencers came together at the MTN Innovation Centre, Phase 2 in Roodepoort, South Africa for the Room of Safety finale. Powered by MTN and organized by MTV Base, the event focused on the urgent need to protect children and young people across the continent as they navigate the digital world.
The event raised awareness about online safety and shared practical ways to keep children protected every day, not just at school. Panelists discussed the roles families, communities, governments, and technology companies must play in creating safer online spaces.
Speakers emphasized that digital safety begins at home. One panelist said, “It starts at the dinner table… Adults should talk with their children about how to use phones safely, just like we used to limit TV time” . Using tools like parental controls on phones and tablets was highlighted as an effective way to help children navigate the internet safely.
A key feature of the initiative is the “Room of Safety” TV series, which includes 10 episodes where young African artists and influencers share their real experiences with cyberbullying, fake accounts, privacy challenges, and social media pressures. These stories help children and young people understand the risks they face and encourage mutual support online.
A significant question from the audience focused on whether research shows how children try to access platforms despite age restrictions (e.g., Facebook), and whether online risks are truly increasing. The panelist acknowledged that, although digital literacy programs have advanced, Africa is still adapting to fully living with digital technology. The panelist stressed that since young people’s digital lives are already part of daily routines checking their phones first thing in the morning, safety conversations must also happen every day at home and in society. Parents and adults have a crucial role in actively asking children how they access platforms and using tools like parental controls to guide safe online use .
The event acknowledged ongoing challenges, such as children accessing online platforms despite age restrictions, and the need for better data to track risks. Additionally, the risks posed by emerging technologies, like children befriending AI chatbots, were discussed, with experts calling for honest conversations between parents and young users.
Governments shared efforts to strengthen cybercrime units and reporting mechanisms, while companies including Facebook (Meta), Google, and Vodacom described their work to improve safety tools, parental controls, and digital literacy programs.
The event was notable for its strong multi-stakeholder participation, including UNICEF, Google, and meta, reflecting a serious continental commitment to advancing child online safety through research, policy, and community engagement.
Young influencers at the event pledged to “stay safe, smart, and strong online,” reinforcing that the internet belongs to everyone and that creating a safe digital space is a shared responsibility.
As a child rights advocate and storyteller who attended the Room of Safety finale virtually, I believe strongly in the power of child participation. At Mtoto News, we believe that when it comes to matters affecting children, especially their online safety, children must be at the forefront of the conversation. Including their voices and experiences enriches our understanding and ensures that policies and programs truly reflect their needs. If children were included in panels and discussions like these, they would bring fresh perspectives and lived experiences that adults alone may not fully grasp. Including children in these conversations is crucial because it allows us to hear directly from those the conversations affect most, helping shape better approaches. This event was a valuable and encouraging step, particularly with key partners like UNICEF, Meta, Google involved. Moving forward, it is essential to continue including children as active partners and ensure their presence and participation are prioritized in future programs and events, to create more balanced and impactful conversations that truly serve Africa’s youth.
The Room of Safety initiative will continue with further programs, including an upcoming documentary focusing on mental health awareness.