Written by Alice Njoki
International Children’s Day of Broadcasting, celebrated every 1st March, was established by UNICEF to remind the world that children have the right to express their views and participate in matters that affect them including in media spaces.
This year, Mtoto News, in partnership with Nation Media Group, marked the day by creating a platform for young voices to be heard.
Children took over the 1pm, 7pm, and 9pm news bulletins on NTV Kenya, stepping into the roles of presenters and reporters even if just for a day to celebrate and amplify children’s voices in the media.
Mtoto News has also launched a policy brief on Media and digital literacy in Africa whose data was based on ITS A FACT research, which is a child-led research initiative by Mtoto News focused on digital literacy, online safety, and empowering children (ages 9–17) across Africa.
The study, led by children themselves across Kenya, Malawi and Senegal, shows a remarkable level of internet use and engagement among young people. By the end of the research:
- 84.6% of children surveyed had access to the internet.
- Mobile phones are the dominant way children go online, with 95% in Kenya and 94% in rural Busia accessing the internet this way.
- Facebook remains the most widely used social platform, especially in conflict-affected areas.
- YouTube has quietly become a key listening and learning space for children, effectively acting as a broadcaster.
- WhatsApp serves as a primary peer-to-peer classroom for many young people.
The research also highlights what it calls the “Ubuntu Trust Paradox” , the idea that trust networks which protect children offline may make them more vulnerable online unless safety skills are intentionally taught.
African children are not waiting for policies to catch up. They are already online. The question now is whether our systems and protections are ready for them.