Accra: The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, has raised concerns about the growing influence of foreign digital content on African children, warning that it is gradually eroding traditional values passed down by parents and elders within communities. He highlighted the alarming trend of African youth drifting away from traditional values, particularly the respect for parents, which has been a cornerstone of African identity.
According to Ghana Web, available data indicate that one in three African parents believe their children have strayed from the traditional African value of respecting their parents. These remarks come amid ongoing discussions among educators, policymakers, and cultural leaders about the impact of digital technologies and social media on family life, cultural identity, and values across the continent.
Speaking at the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values, Sam George noted the rapid consumption of foreign content on digital platforms. He emphasized that 78% of African children's content comes from foreign platforms, exposing them to norms and behaviors inconsistent with African cultural values. He urged for greater scrutiny of the content children consume online, arguing that many digital platforms promote ideas that challenge established family structures and cultural norms.
Sam George further highlighted the growing influence of digital platforms as a dominant force in shaping young people's attitudes and behaviors. He expressed concern that traditional institutions and community structures, which historically played a central role in socialization, are being replaced. He warned that respect for elders, communal living, and family-centered decision-making, which have been central to African identity, are increasingly under pressure from foreign influences.
He concluded by stating that digital platforms have become the primary source of socialization for many young people across Africa, altering the foundational values of African societies.