The Founder of Glory Vel School in Kumasi, Mrs. Evelyn Adu Dapaa, has called for urgent action to protect children from cyberbullying and other online dangers as internet usage among young people continues to grow.
She warned that the increasing use of smartphones, social media platforms, and digital learning tools has left many children vulnerable to cyberbullying, online harassment, emotional abuse, and exploitation.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mrs. Dapaa referenced a UNICEF report which suggests that many children in Ghana experience harmful online interactions but often remain silent and fail to report such incidents to adults.
She stressed that both parents and schools must play a more active role in teaching children responsible online behaviour, privacy protection, and safe internet practices.
According to her, cyberbullying and emotional abuse can negatively affect children’s mental health, academic performance, and self-confidence if early interventions are not introduced.
Mrs. Dapaa called for stronger collaboration among parents, teachers, religious bodies, and government institutions to build effective child protection systems both online and offline.
She also urged schools to strengthen their guidance and counselling units while introducing digital safety education to help students identify, prevent, and report online abuse.
The Cyber Security Authority has also warned that online blackmail, extortion, and digital harassment are becoming growing threats to young people across the country and continues to encourage victims to report abusive behaviour.
Some students who shared their experiences of bullying in schools and online spaces called for stricter laws, better supervision, and continuous public education to make digital platforms safer for children.
