NCCE Educates Pupils on Online Safety and Responsible Digital Citizenship

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has intensified efforts to promote responsible digital citizenship among school children in the municipality through a series of educational engagements in selected primary schools.

The outreach targeted mainly upper primary pupils and focused on educating them about internet-related risks such as cyberbullying, online scams, and misinformation. The pupils were also sensitized on responsible online behavior and the importance of using digital platforms in a safe and ethical manner.

As part of the program, the pupils were taken through lessons on online civic responsibility and the need to uphold Ghanaian values in digital spaces. They were encouraged to maintain discipline whenever they have access to digital tools and to become more aware of the various risks children face online.

The Municipal Director of the NCCE, Mr. Ismail Yiddana, together with the Assistant Director, Ms. Abigail Nkrumah, visited Nyamaa Junior High School in Sunyani to further engage students on digital safety.

Addressing the students, Mr. Yiddana explained that although the internet and other media platforms provide valuable information for academic work and personal development, they also contain harmful and inappropriate content that users must avoid. He advised the pupils to be cautious when accessing information online and to make good use of digital resources.

The students were also educated on cyber safety, which includes protecting personal information, treating others respectfully online, and observing proper internet etiquette, commonly known as “netiquette.”

Mr. Yiddana urged the students to develop a strong sense of patriotism and national identity, stressing that their actions online have consequences not only for themselves but also for the image and development of Ghana.

He further noted that while many children are taught how to deal with strangers in their neighborhoods and other face-to-face situations, they often receive little guidance on how to handle strangers they encounter on social media and other online platforms. He therefore encouraged the pupils to be vigilant when interacting with unknown persons online and to report any suspicious activities to responsible adults.

The engagement formed part of the NCCE's efforts to equip children with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital space safely while upholding the values and principles of responsible citizenship.