By Caleb Kuleke, GNA
Kpetoe (V/R), June 5, GNA – Mr Christian Ahiawodzi, Agotime-Ziope District Director, National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has implored children to utilise online platforms judiciously and refrain from participating in activities that may result in adverse consequences.
He stated that although internet platforms serve as potent educational instruments, users must maintain discipline, accept differing opinions, and behave within the boundaries of cybersecurity legislation to avoid legal repercussions.
Mr Ahiawodzi said this during the launch of the Citizenship Week Celebration by the District Directorate of NCCE in collaboration with the World Vision Ghana at Kpetoe in the Agotime-Ziope District of the Volta Region.
The programme was on theme, “Growing Up Digital: The Ghanaian Child Upholding the Constitution Online,” and is expected to run for a week with various activities.
Mr Ahiawodzi stated that children have a constitutional obligation to uphold the nation’s democratic principles, safeguard the supreme law, and promote a culture of mutual respect in both physical and digital realms.
He charged the participants to respect diverse opinions online and avoid insults, hate speech, or defamatory language, disclosing that the Commission was currently running a nationwide campaign to promote responsible digital citizenship among children.
The Director expressed concern on the increase of cyberbullying and online misconduct among children, emphasising that cyberspaces ought to function as instruments for education and positive interaction, rather than venues for personal assaults.
Mr Ahiawodzi cautioned the participants against the rapid spread of unverified information, imploring them to verify the authenticity of any news, images, or videos before hitting the share button.
He cautioned them about the severe risks associated with taking or disseminating nude photographs, emphasising that sharing such graphic material constitutes a significant cybercrime and may inflict lasting psychological trauma on victims.
Mr Eric Opoku, Agotime Cluster Programmes Manager for World Vision Ghana, advised educators to prioritise the development of children and mould them to become responsible future leaders.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade