By David ACKMAN
As children across Ghana increasingly access the Internet for education, entertainment and social interaction, the need for parents and caregivers to protect them from online dangers has never been greater.
While the Internet offers tremendous opportunities for learning and growth, it also exposes children to a range of cyber risks, from cyberbullying to exploitation. This article outlines the steps families can take to safeguard their children online, and sheds light on real-life examples of cyber threats that are specific to Ghana.
Understanding the risks
Children face a variety of online threats, some of which can have serious consequences. These include:
- Cyberbullying: Harassment through social media, messaging apps or online games can severely impact a child’s mental health, leading to depression, anxiety and even suicidal thoughts. In Ghana, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has highlighted the growing problem of cyberbullying and how it is affecting children. The NCSC has initiated several awareness programmes aimed at addressing the issue in schools.
- Sextortion: In this type of cybercrime, perpetrators use intimate images or videos, often acquired through manipulation or hacking, to blackmail victims into sending money or more explicit content.
- Online predators: These individuals often pose as peers or trustworthy adults to build relationships with children, gradually grooming them for exploitation. The NCSC has reported that online predators in Ghana commonly use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to groom children.
- Inappropriate content: Children can unintentionally stumble upon violent or sexual material, which can be harmful to their emotional and psychological well-being.
- Phishing and scams: Children are often unaware of the signs of fraudulent emails or messages and may unwittingly reveal personal information that puts them and their families at risk.
Real-life case: sextortion leading to tragic consequences
A heartbreaking example of the dangers of online exploitation comes from the recent case of Jordan DeMay, a 17-year-old from Michigan, USA, who tragically took his own life after falling victim to a sextortion scheme.
The perpetrators, who were based in Nigeria, convinced Jordan to share explicit photos and then blackmailed him, demanding money in exchange for not releasing the images. Unable to cope with the pressure, Jordan ended his life. This devastating story highlights the global nature of cyber threats, as perpetrators can target victims anywhere in the world, including in Ghana.
The United States recently extradited two Nigerian men linked to the crime, marking an important step in the international fight against cybercrime. This case underscores the urgency for parents and caregivers to be vigilant and proactive in protecting children from such dangers.
Cyber risks specific to Ghana
In Ghana, children face several Internet-related risks that are particularly prevalent in developing digital environments:
- Mobile device access: Due to widespread access to affordable smartphones, children are often left unsupervised with Internet-connected devices, making them vulnerable to online exploitation. The Ghana Internet Safety Foundation has indicated that the proliferation of mobile devices without proper parental supervision has increased incidents of sextortion and cyberbullying.
- Unregulated social media use: Many children use social media platforms without privacy controls, exposing them to strangers who may have malicious intentions. Ghana has seen instances of online grooming through popular social platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
- Inadequate digital literacy: Many parents and guardians in Ghana lack the knowledge to help their children navigate the Internet safely, making it easier for cybercriminals to target these young users. A report by UNICEF Ghana indicates that digital literacy remains a significant challenge, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Practical tips for parents and caregivers
Parents and caregivers play a critical role in protecting children online. Here are some practical steps you can take:
- Educate children about online dangers: Start by having open conversations with your children about the risks they may encounter online. Teach them about the importance of not sharing personal information, photos or videos with strangers.
- Monitor online activity: Keep track of the websites your child visits and the apps they download. Parental control software can help you manage what content is accessible on their devices.
- Encourage responsible social media use: Set clear rules about the use of social media and ensure privacy settings are enabled. Encourage children to only accept friend requests from people they know in real life and to avoid sharing sensitive information online.
- Stay informed about new threats: Cyber risks evolve quickly, and staying up to date on the latest scams or dangers is crucial. Regularly review security updates and news related to online child protection.
- Be a safe space for your child: Make sure your child knows they can talk to you if they experience something troubling online. Listen without judgment and provide reassurance and support.
- Report suspicious activity: If you believe your child is being targeted by an online predator or scammer, report the issue to local authorities and the platform involved. In Ghana, the Cybercrime Unit of the Ghana Police Service is actively involved in addressing such cases.
Conclusion
Protecting children in cyberspace is an ongoing responsibility for parents, caregivers and the wider community. By staying informed, setting boundaries and encouraging open communication, we can help ensure that children benefit from the positive aspects of the Internet while minimising their exposure to harmful content and interactions.
As the case of Jordan DeMay illustrates, online threats are real and can have devastating consequences, making it more important than ever for families to be proactive in securing their children’s digital futures.
For families in Ghana where digital literacy is still growing, the challenges may seem overwhelming; but through education and vigilance, we can create a safer online environment for the next generation.
>>>the writer is an IT Specialist at Compassion International Ghana (CIGH) with over two decades of experience in the industry. His expertise spans computer networking, systems administration, client services and desktop support. As technology rapidly evolves, David has expanded his skill set to include cybersecurity and systems security.
For nearly 20 years, Compassion International Ghana (CIGH) has remained dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty for children and families across the country. Through strategic partnerships with local churches, CIGH provides education, healthcare, skills training and spiritual support, equipping children to grow into healthy, confident and empowered individuals ready to drive positive change in their communities.
Through its programmes, thousands of children have gained the tools and opportunities to build a brighter future. Today, CIGH supports nearly 100,000 children and youths across 12 of Ghana’s 16 regions, further solidifying its mission to create a lasting and meaningful impact.
Sources
- National Cyber Security Centre Ghana (2023). “Cybercrime Awareness and Prevention Programs in Schools.” Ministry of Communications.
- NCSC Ghana (2023). “Addressing Cyber Predators and Online Grooming.” Ghanaian Times, September 12, 2023.
- NBC News (2023). “US Extradites Nigerians in Sextortion Linked to Suicide of Michigan Teen.” NBC News, September 2023. Link to the original article.
- Ghana Internet Safety Foundation (2022). “Mobile Phone Access and Cybersecurity Threats Among Children.” GNA Report.
- UNICEF Ghana (2021). “Digital Literacy and Child Safety: Challenges in Ghana.” UNICEF Ghana Report.
