To mark Safer Internet Day, the MTV Staying Alive Foundation (MTV SAF) and Meta (formerly Facebook) are joining forces to launch a mini web series in Ivory Coast.
Building on the success of the MTV Shuga Babi series, this special edition aims to raise awareness among young people about responsible online behavior. It features iconic characters from the flagship series such as Emlys, Grasso, Benny J, Franckys, and Vanessa, in their daily lives and adventures as connected young Africans.
The mini web series, which consists of five episodes, addresses contemporary issues such as catfishing, the sharing of intimate images without consent, online misinformation, cyberbullying, and the mirage of social media. The episodes, which are very short (three minutes on average), will be available every Friday from February 11 to March 11 on all MTV Shuga Babi online platforms.
"This mini web series, featuring some of the actors from MTV Shuga Babi, in partnership with Meta, is part of our mission to raise awareness among our young audience (15-24 years old). The internet is part of their daily lives. It is important for us to support them in using it responsibly and safely," said Sara Piot, Managing Director and Deputy Executive Director of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.
Speaking at the online launch event, which brought together young people, stakeholders from the Ivorian digital ecosystem, and local media, Phil Oduor, Head of Social and Economic Impact Programs for Sub-Saharan Africa at Meta, added: "At Meta, we are committed to ensuring the well-being of the people and communities who use our platforms. We invest in initiatives that aim to raise awareness among as many people as possible about responsible online behavior, critical thinking, and understanding of social issues often shared through digital technology. It is in this spirit that, beyond the tools and resources already in place, we wanted to partner with the MTV Staying Alive Foundation to creatively encourage responsible and beneficial use of digital technology."
Safer Internet Day is celebrated on February 8 each year. Its purpose is to promote online safety and inspire reflection on responsible, respectful, critical, and positive use of digital technology.
Press release