Western Regional NCCE Urges Fathers to Guide Children Towards Responsible Digital Behaviour

Fathers have been urged to take a more active role in guiding their children’s use of digital platforms as part of efforts to promote safer online behaviour and strengthen family responsibility in the digital age.

The call was made by the Western Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Mr. Andrews Ofori Larbi, during an engagement with members of the Men’s Association of Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Takoradi.

Mr. Larbi commended the members for their important role in family life and national development. He congratulated them on the occasion of Father’s Day and noted that fathers remain central to the upbringing of children, the stability of families and the moral development of society.

According to him, fathers are expected not only to provide for their households, but also to nurture, guide, and mentor their children to become responsible citizens. He, however, expressed concern that the increasing influence of the digital space is affecting this responsibility, especially where children are left without proper guidance on how to behave online.

Addressing the participants, Mr. Larbi explained that the Constitution of Ghana remains the supreme law of the land and guides the conduct of citizens both offline and online. He said citizens have the right to express themselves, but that right must be exercised responsibly, respectfully and within the limits of the law.

Participants were encouraged to think carefully before posting, sharing, or commenting online. Mr. Larbi advised them to verify information before forwarding it, avoid spreading falsehoods, respect the views of others, and refrain from using digital platforms to insult, attack, or harm people.

Attention was also drawn to online safety. Fathers were urged to protect personal information such as phone numbers, passwords, locations, and private photographs. They were also advised to be cautious when interacting with strangers online and to guide their children to report any suspicious, abusive, or uncomfortable online experiences.

Mr. Larbi further encouraged the men to speak against harmful online behaviour, including cyberbullying, online abuse and the sharing of offensive content. He reminded them that supporting, forwarding, or laughing at harmful online material can encourage abuse and worsen the pain of victims.

Participants were reminded that online actions have real-life consequences. According to the NCCE Regional Director, what people post, share, or comment on digital platforms can either promote peace and understanding or create conflict, fear, and division.

The engagement also highlighted the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which provides a legal framework for addressing cybercrime and promoting online safety. Mr. Larbi encouraged participants to report cyber-related offences to the Ghana Police Service for the necessary action.

NCCE used the engagement to reinforce the need for fathers to become role models of responsible digital citizenship in their homes, churches, and communities. The programme formed part of the Commission’s public education efforts to promote lawful, respectful and safe use of digital platforms for peace, security and national development.