A former official from the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Mr. Kofi Anane, has voiced serious concerns regarding the recent abuse of social media by secondary school students, labeling it a critical challenge that demands immediate attention.
Mr. Anane noted that making indecent and irresponsible statements online creates a permanent digital footprint that can severely “haunt those who engage in such behavior.”
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he cited recent acts of students flooding social media with images of smoking, indecent behavior, and promiscuous conduct—including claims of “snatching the husbands of married women”—as a clear reflection of indiscipline.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) previously issued a statement urging young people to cease such conduct, noting that it could damage their future prospects.
Mr. Anane echoed this warning, stressing the urgent need to address the issue. “These videos leave a digital footprint on social media and will jeopardize their future,” he stated. “You may enjoy posting these disturbing videos, but they can have a significant negative impact.”
“In recent times, companies searching for employees often trace the digital spaces of potential hires. Discovering any disturbing videos could lead them to decline employment. Similarly, embassies review the social media platforms of applicants, and finding inappropriate content may cause applications to be flagged or rejected.
“This is not a joke; it is a serious matter,” he cautioned. He added that it could cost individuals thousands of pounds to attempt to have deeply disturbing videos removed, further emphasising the importance of educating young people on the matter.”
Mr. Annan also mentioned that UNICEF had previously sponsored Ghana in an initiative to develop mechanisms for protecting children from the harms of social media, though he was unsure if the project was still active.
When asked if parents should be blamed for some of these challenges, Mr. Annan asserted: “Yes, the parents have to accept the majority of the blame.”
He suggested that many of the children posting disturbing videos lack proper training and that a number of them come from financially challenged homes.
He added that the major challenge stems from indiscipline—whether brought from home or acquired while in school.
“Our children must be prepared to accept responsibility and maintain discipline,” he said.
“They must accept punishment for wrongdoing, because without that, they will grow to be irresponsible adults.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
