By Dorothy Frances Ward, GNA
Kumasi Aug. 03 GNA – Parents and guardians have been urged to closely monitor the use of smartphones, tablets, computers, television and other electronic gadgets by children during the school vacation period.
This is to ensure that children make responsible use of technology and do not spend excessive hours on their electronic gadgets at the expense of their health, education, social development and family responsibilities.
Mrs. Evelyn Adu-Dapaah, the Founder and Headmistress of Glory-Vel School in Kumasi, made the call in an interview with Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi.
She said the vacation period usually provided children with more free time, which could lead to prolonged use of electronic devices, particularly for watching videos, playing games and accessing social media platforms.
It was, therefore, important for parents and guardians to establish clear rules and schedules to regulate the amount of time children spent on electronic gadgets each day.
She also advised them to ensure that children used their free time productively by combining screen time with reading, physical exercise, household chores, outdoor activities and other forms of recreation.
According to her, excessive use of gadgets, especially late at night, could affect children’s sleeping patterns and make it difficult for them to get adequate rest.
Additionally, long hours spent looking at screens could also contribute to eye strain, headaches, poor posture and reduced physical activity, while excessive dependence on digital entertainment could affect children’s ability to interact effectively with family members and friends.
She also encouraged parents to take an active interest in the online activities of their children and educate them about the responsible use of the internet.
They must immediately report anyone who tries to bully them on the internet.
Again, she said parents must caution children against communicating with strangers online, sharing personal information, accepting unknown friend requests and accessing inappropriate content.
She said: “We must instill values in our children for them to live by it.
“We must be mindful of the social media platforms and online games that children use and, where necessary, activate parental controls to protect them from harmful or age-inappropriate content.”
Mrs. Adu-Dapaah urged parents and guardians to create an environment where children felt comfortable discussing their online experiences, especially when they encountered cyberbullying, harassment, inappropriate messages or suspicious activities.
She called on parents to spend quality time with their children, bond with them, and help them develop new skills, strengthen family relationships and explore their interests.
They could also organise family activities that allowed children to spend quality time away from their screens and develop stronger relationships with relatives and friends.
Interacting with children and making them engage in household activities is good for their health as well. She noted.
She said that technology must be a useful tool for learning and entertaining children, not exposing them to danger and sexual scenes.
The Educationist said that children must enjoy their vacation with parents and guardians providing them with proper guidance and supervision to help them develop healthy digital habits that would benefit them both during the holidays and beyond.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Benjamin Mensah
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