Parents urged to safeguard children from online and cyber rights violations – CHRAJ
Gafaru stressed the need for parents to actively monitor their children’s use of digital devices and online platforms to prevent abuse and exploitation in cyberspace.
The Kassena Nankana Municipal Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Abdul Gafaru, has called on parents and guardians to take greater responsibility in protecting children from online and cyber violations.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Tuesday, January 20, Gafaru stressed the need for parents to actively monitor their children’s use of digital devices and online platforms to prevent abuse and exploitation in cyberspace.
He urged parents to be alert to behavioural changes that may signal exposure to harmful online activity.
According to him, unusual withdrawal, sudden changes in attitude, or unexplained possessions, such as mobile phones parents did not provide, should prompt concern and inquiry.
“As a parent, if your child, especially a young girl, comes home with a phone you did not buy and you are not bothered, that is worrying.” He said.
“Ask questions, ensure the child is safe, and monitor the websites they visit, even when devices are used for homework and learning.”
Gafaru noted that cyber violations against children often manifest in subtle ways, making parental vigilance crucial. He explained that victims may show signs of emotional distress and irregular behaviour, which should not be ignored.
He warned that online and cyber abuse can have serious consequences for children, including digital addiction and severe psychological harm.
Citing a case in Kumasi, he said a child who experienced sustained online abuse became increasingly withdrawn, prompting parental intervention that eventually uncovered the abuse.
The CHRAJ director also advised children to exercise caution in their engagement with digital platforms and to promptly report any violations of their rights to their parents, guardians, or appropriate authorities.
He reaffirmed CHRAJ’s commitment to promoting child rights and called for collective action by parents, schools, and institutions to ensure a safer digital environment for children.
Mike 105,3FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna
