By Dorothy Frances Ward
Kumasi, May 15, GNA – Mrs Evelyn Adu Dapaa, Founder of Glory Vel School in Kumasi, has called for intensified measures to protect children against cyberbullying and other online threats, as internet use among the youth continues to rise.
She said the increasing use of smartphones, social media platforms, and online learning tools among children had exposed many of them to cyberbullying, online harassment, emotional abuse, and exploitation.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi, Mrs Dapaa cited a UNICEF report indicating that many children in Ghana experienced harmful online interactions but often failed to report such incidents to adults.
She stressed the need for schools and parents to educate children on responsible online behaviour, privacy protection, and safe internet use.
Mrs Dapaa also called for stronger collaboration among parents, teachers, religious institutions, and government agencies to safeguard children both online and offline.
The educationist noted that emotional abuse and bullying, including cyberbullying, could have serious consequences on children’s mental health, academic performance, and self-esteem.
According to the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), cyberbullying, online blackmail, extortion, and digital harassment are becoming major threats affecting young people across the country.
The Authority has advised children to report abusive online behaviour and to avoid sharing personal information with strangers on the internet.
Mrs Dapaa, therefore, urged schools to strengthen guidance and counselling systems and introduce more digital safety education programmes to help students identify and report cyberbullying incidents early.
She also encouraged parents to monitor their children’s online activities and maintain open communication with them to reduce the risk of online abuse.
She appealed to stakeholders to reinforce child protection systems and promote the welfare of children nationwide through effective collaboration and policy implementation.
Some students and young people also shared experiences of bullying and emotional abuse in both school and online environments, highlighting the need for stronger supervision, counselling, and protection mechanisms.
They called for continuous public education, stronger online safety laws, and collective national action to ensure safer digital spaces for children.
GNA
Edited by Yussif Ibrahim/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Dorothy Frances Ward
Email: [email protected]