Stay safe online: Protecting children from the risks of digital spaces

Background

Focus on the African region and online threats.

The Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (OSRSG) of the United Nations approached Rooftop to develop key messages, an animated video, and social media assets to support the organization’s advocacy efforts around children and armed conflict (CAAC).

The project was focussed specifically on children in the African region, and the possible threats they face from online platforms. The assets needed to focus on prevention of the Six grave violations, and empower children with the information they need to prevent them from becoming victims. The video and campaign needed to be youth and child friendly, aimed at audiences aged 12-18.

Challenge

Creating effective video and social media assets that speak directly to the youth.

While the topic of grave violations and the risk of children being recruited into armed conflict is a challenging one, the client wanted an empowering, hopeful narrative that wasn’t too scary or too dark.

The primary role of the assets was to prevent children from becoming victims, and to empower them with the knowledge they need if they find themselves in a dangerous situation. The hero video was delivered within a tight timeframe of four weeks, with an additional month for all social media assets and translations which were rolled out in batches.

Solution

Using relatable, graphic novel-inspired imagery to empower the target audience.

Due to the sensitive nature of the content, the client requested an animation video that would clearly highlight the key messages, while also being relatable to a wide range of young audiences across Africa.

Rooftop chose to animate our video in a graphic novel style to create a visual identity that immediately captured the attention of the youth audience.
The script was based on real-life stories of children who had been victims of grave violations, and their experiences. We combined their testimonies and developed Jabari’s story as one that would be relatable to the target audience.

The edgy script begins with a line about ‘revenge’… to capture the audience’s attention. We find out how Jabari is recruited by armed actors through online platforms, and his ultimate escape and reintegration into society.
The short, high-energy script encapsulates the key messages, and the potential dangers of social media and digital spaces. It also teaches children about the recruitment and exploitation tactics of armed actors who use these platforms for sexual violence, abduction and other grave violations.

With the social media assets, Rooftop aimed to raise awareness and provide empowering information about preventing the 6 grave violations in as many assets as possible.

The Result

These include video and social media assets, over a seven-day period.