Accra: A study by the Baraka Policy Institute (BPI), a Social Policy Think Tank, has highlighted access to social media as a major cause of indiscipline in Ghanaian senior high schools (SHSs). The research, titled 'Tackling the Rising Indiscipline In SHSs In Ghana: The Role of Effective Character Formation', was presented at a stakeholder forum in Accra on Tuesday.
According to Ghana News Agency, the study was conducted over a two-year period with data from students and teachers. It established that indiscipline was more prevalent in non-mission senior high schools compared to mission schools. Acts of indiscipline identified included stealing, disrespect for authority, and sexual immorality. Contributing factors were the lack of religious education, non-enforcement of school codes of conduct, and absence of counselling services.
Mr. John Azumah, an academic and researcher, presented the findings and urged policymakers to consider regulating social media use among teenagers in SHSs. He emphasized the need for education on the dangers of irresponsible social media use while recommending a review of the 'one-student, one-tablet' policy under the Ghana Smart Schools Project.
The report sampled 240 SHSs nationwide with over 2,600 respondents across various types of schools. A consensus from respondents indicated that mobile phone use and social media access were leading drivers of indiscipline.
The study highlighted the positive impact of guidance and counselling sessions and religious group meetings on character formation. Mr. Azumah called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to focus more on religious matters in SHSs and assign religious responsibilities in non-mission schools to specific religious missions.
The report criticized the 'one-student, one-tablet' policy, citing it as contradictory since GES banned phones in schools while distributing uncustomised tablets that allowed social media access. The study recommended customizing tablets to restrict access to certain websites and engaging students with ICT experts to discuss the benefits and dangers of social media.
BPI also recommended making chaplain and counselor positions in SHSs full-time, providing regular training, and ensuring these roles are integrated into school governance structures.