Kumasi: Parents and guardians have been urged to closely monitor the use of smartphones, tablets, computers, television, and other electronic gadgets by children during the school vacation period. This is to ensure that children make responsible use of technology and do not spend excessive hours on their electronic gadgets at the expense of their health, education, social development, and family responsibilities.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Evelyn Adu-Dapaah, the Founder and Headmistress of Glory-Vel School in Kumasi, made the call in an interview. She emphasized that the vacation period usually provided children with more free time, which could lead to prolonged use of electronic devices, particularly for watching videos, playing games, and accessing social media platforms.
Mrs. Adu-Dapaah highlighted the importance of parents and guardians establishing clear rules and schedules to regulate the amount of time children spend on electronic gadgets each day. She also advised them to ensure that children use their free time productively by combining screen time with reading, physical exercise, household chores, outdoor activities, and other forms of recreation.
She warned that excessive use of gadgets, especially late at night, could affect children's sleeping patterns and make it difficult for them to get adequate rest. Additionally, long hours spent looking at screens could contribute to eye strain, headaches, poor posture, and reduced physical activity, while excessive dependence on digital entertainment could affect children's ability to interact effectively with family members and friends.
Mrs. Adu-Dapaah encouraged parents to take an active interest in the online activities of their children and educate them about the responsible use of the internet. She urged them to report any incidents of cyberbullying and cautioned children against communicating with strangers online, sharing personal information, accepting unknown friend requests, and accessing inappropriate content.
She emphasized the need to instill values in children, advocating for mindful use of social media platforms and online games, and activating parental controls where necessary to protect them from harmful or age-inappropriate content.
Mrs. Adu-Dapaah also urged parents and guardians to create an environment where children felt comfortable discussing their online experiences, especially when they encountered cyberbullying, harassment, inappropriate messages, or suspicious activities. She called on parents to spend quality time with their children, bond with them, and help them develop new skills, strengthen family relationships, and explore their interests.
In conclusion, the educationist stressed that technology should be a useful tool for learning and entertaining children, not exposing them to danger and inappropriate content. She emphasized that children must enjoy their vacation with proper guidance and supervision from parents and guardians to help them develop healthy digital habits that would benefit them both during the holidays and beyond.