Child Rights International, a child‑focused think tank and welfare advocate, has urged the government to enact legislation restricting access to social media platforms for children under 17. The proposed law should mandate strong age‑verification systems across all digital platforms operating in Ghana, with clear sanctions for non‑compliance.
The call follows a study by the NGO, which revealed that many social media platforms expose children to harmful and age‑inappropriate content, including dangerous online trends and misinformation, while offering limited material that supports their moral and cognitive growth. The research further noted that children are increasingly influenced by social media personalities and content creators, many of whom have become significant role models in their lives.
However, the content they produce is often not subject to child protection standards and may promote behaviours, attitudes and lifestyles that are unsuitable for children’s healthy (moral, cognitive and psychological) development. The CRI study, therefore, recommended the strengthening of restrictions on children’s access to social media platforms to serve as an important child protection measure and help create a safer digital environment for them.
Context
Child Rights International (CRI) has conducted a rapid study on screen time among children in Ghana to better understand how growing digital access is shaping their lives, safety, and well‑being. The study engaged children aged five to 12, examining their screen‑use patterns, exposure to online content, and experiences in the digital space.
With internet connectivity expanding nationwide, children are increasingly active users of smartphones, tablets, and other devices. While technology offers opportunities for learning, communication, and access to information, CRI expressed concern about children’s rising exposure to harmful online content and risks within an unregulated digital environment.
The study further revealed that children spend significant amounts of time on digital devices, particularly mobile phones, which have become their primary gateway to online information and social media platforms.
According to the findings released at the weekend, about 80 per cent of the children reported daily engagement with screens for extended periods, averaging about two to seven hours a day, often without consistent parental supervision.
The findings further revealed that children have largely unrestricted access to social media platforms and online content, and many children navigate various websites and applications without adequate parental supervision or age-verification mechanisms, exposing them to a wide range of information, some of which is inappropriate, harmful and potentially dangerous.
Online invitations
“A particularly alarming finding is the growing exposure of children to online sexual content and sexual exploitation risks. The study identified sexual invitations, inappropriate messages and exposure to sexually explicit materials as some of the most common forms of harmful interactions experienced by children online,” CRI said.
The research also found that many children are exposed to unsolicited content through advertisements, pop-ups, social media recommendations and online gaming platforms.
In many cases, this exposure is further intensified when children use adults’ mobile phones, where algorithm-driven recommendations based on the device owner’s browsing history and usage patterns may expose them to age-inappropriate content, often bypassing parental controls and safety filters.
Common gadget usage
The study also established that children use mobile phones and tablets more due to their portability and convenience. As a result, they are able to remain connected for longer periods, often using these devices for both educational and entertainment purposes. CRI is concerned that excessive screen time and unrestricted internet access are having serious implications for children’s development, mental health and protection.
The findings reveal a noticeable relationship between excessive screen use and reduced participation in social and recreational activities. “Children who spent longer hours on screens were found to have fewer opportunities for outdoor play, peer interaction, and meaningful family engagement than children who reported lower screen time,” the study pointed out. CRI estimates that if the trend is allowed to continue, 10 years from now, children will cease to have meaningful family conversations that would lead to a breakdown of the family socialisation structure.
Recommendations
Child Rights International (CRI) has urged swift action to strengthen child protection within Ghana’s digital space, including a ban on social media access for children under 17. The think tank also called for active parental and caregiver involvement in digital supervision, encouraging the use of built‑in safety features such as parental controls, content filters, and age‑restriction settings to shield children from inappropriate content and ensure safer online experiences.
CRI further advised parents to establish clear and consistent screen‑time limits and to engage children in conversations that promote safe, responsible, and informed digital behaviour. The organisation also appealed to state law enforcement agencies to collaborate in investigating and addressing cases of online child sexual abuse and exploitation, ensuring swift and child‑sensitive interventions.
Commenting on the study, CRI’s Executive Director, Bright Appiah, acknowledged the vital role technology plays in children’s education and development but stressed that its benefits must be balanced with strong child protection measures.
“Without effective safeguards, children remain vulnerable to harmful content, online sexual exploitation, cyber abuse, and the adverse effects of excessive screen time,” he said.
Source: Samuel Ohene Ewur
