The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has cautioned students and young people to be mindful of their use of the internet to protect themselves from online and cybersecurity threats.
Mrs Harriet Addeywood, Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Director of the NCCE, said the content young people share on digital platforms could have long-term consequences on their future prospects and reputation.
She advised an educational outreach programme at the Essipong Technical Institute, where students were sensitised on learners’ responsibilities and online safety.
Mrs Addeywood urged students to exercise caution when using social media and other digital platforms.
“You should be mindful of how you use the internet. Make sure whatever you share is true because you might think you are enjoying yourself by posting anything now, but that can go a long way to affect your future,” she said.
She explained that inappropriate content shared online could resurface later in life and negatively affect career opportunities and public image.
“Just imagine after school you have enlisted in the Ghana Armed Forces or you have become a chief executive of an organisation and all your online activities are brought out, and the number one thing that they will see is your naked picture which was circulated whilst you were in school,” she stated.
Mrs Addeywood, therefore, advised students to avoid harmful activities on social media and other digital platforms to safeguard their integrity and secure a better future.
She also encouraged them to respect the rights of their colleagues and treat one another with respect to promote a conducive teaching and learning environment.
The Metropolitan Director further urged students to protect school property rather than destroy it, stressing that such facilities were meant to benefit both current and future generations. She also called on them to become advocates for environmental protection by speaking out against activities such as illegal mining (galamsey), sand winning and other practices that posed a threat to society
