By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah, GNA
Abelenkpe, July 11, GNA – The Ayawaso West Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has urged parents and caregivers to closely monitor their children’s online activities to protect them from the growing risks associated with internet use.
The call was made during a public education programme at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Abelenkpe, on the theme “Children’s Rights in the Digital Space”.
Mr Edem Afeeva, the Ayawaso West Municipal Director of the NCCE, said that although the internet provided children with opportunities for learning, communication and entertainment, it also exposed them to risks such as cyberbullying, online predators, identity theft and inappropriate content.
Mr Afeeva encouraged parents to take an active interest in their children’s digital lives by knowing the websites they visit, the applications and games they use, and how those platforms operate.
According to him, such knowledge would enable parents to identify potential risks early and provide the necessary guidance and protection.
He advised parents to maintain open communication with their children about their online experiences and establish clear rules on internet use.
“Creating an open and trusting environment will encourage children to report disturbing messages, suspicious contacts or inappropriate content they encounter online,” he said.
He also recommended setting clear guidelines on the websites children might visit, the applications they were permitted to use, and the amount of time they spend online each day to help them develop responsible digital habits.
Mr Afeeva urged parents to monitor their children’s social media accounts, messaging applications, and online interactions while respecting their welfare and safety.
He further advised parents to educate their children on protecting personal information and cautioned them against sharing details such as their full names, home addresses, school information, telephone numbers, passwords or photographs with strangers.
He warned that criminals could exploit such information for fraud, exploitation or intimidation and advised children not to accept friend requests from unknown persons or click on suspicious links that could expose them to scams or malicious software.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Elizabeth Larkwor Baah, GNA
[email protected]