Accra: Mr Rashid Ibrahim, President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), has called on the government to consider banning children below 15 years from using social media. He said the measure would help shape children's character and instil moral values, citing similar policies adopted in Australia, France, and Indonesia.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Ibrahim made the call during a panel discussion at the fourth Muslim Leaders and Catholic Bishops Meeting Dialogue held on the theme: 'Addressing the Challenges of Rising Indiscipline in Our Schools: The Role of Faith-Based Organisations.' He expressed concern over the excessive use of social media by children, emphasizing the need for restrictions to curb potential abuse.
Mr Ibrahim, who is also a legal practitioner, identified inadequate parental control and weak supervision in schools as contributing factors to rising indiscipline among students. He highlighted the importance of children understanding the consequences of misconduct and advocated for appropriate sanctions for juveniles who breach rules.
Mrs Lucille Hewlett Annan, Commission Secretary of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), urged parents to prioritize the upbringing and welfare of their children, noting that it requires significant resources, including time and financial commitment.
Dr Haruna Zagoon-Sayeed, Senior Lecturer and Lead Convener of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Ghana, emphasized the need for stronger government support for faith-based organizations to foster discipline in schools. He pointed out the challenges faced by educators, such as limited resources to provide moral education.
Very Reverend Father Cosmos Ebo Sabah, Associate Professor at the University of Ghana, added that educators should be empowered with greater responsibility and authority to instil discipline, suggesting that the current education system overly emphasizes intellectual achievement at the expense of moral development.