Sierra Leone Launches Africa’s First SIM-Based Child Online Protection Service
The service filters and blocks content deemed unsuitable for children, while ensuring that essential services such as voice calls and SMS remain fully functional.
The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation , in collaboration with Africell Sierra Leone , has officially launched Kidzonet, Africa’s first SIM-based child online protection service. The launch took place at the Africell E-Learning Hub in Freetown and brought together key stakeholders from government, regulatory bodies, and the telecommunications industry to address growing concerns around child safety in the digital space.
Kidzonet is designed to help parents and guardians manage and control their children’s access to social media and online content directly from their mobile SIM cards. By dialing *499#, caregivers can activate content controls that operate at the SIM level, offering a simple and accessible solution without the need for additional applications or devices.
The service filters and blocks content deemed unsuitable for children, while ensuring that essential services such as voice calls and SMS remain fully functional. Kidzonet works exclusively with Africell SIM cards and does not function over Wi-Fi networks, ensuring clear boundaries in its operation.
Priced at NLe9 and valid for 30 days, Kidzonet offers an affordable and transparent option for families seeking to protect children online. The initiative marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s digital transformation efforts and sets a precedent for child-focused online safety solutions across Africa.
