The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, has attributed the growing cases of indiscipline in schools partly to the influence of new media, warning that unchecked exposure to social media is negatively affecting the behaviour and values of many students.
Professor Davis made the remarks during the opening of a panel discussion held alongside a national conference on tackling indiscipline in schools in Sunyani. The conference has brought together key stakeholders in the education sector to identify practical solutions to the increasing cases of misconduct in educational institutions.
He expressed concern that excessive exposure to content on social media is contributing to the erosion of Ghanaian cultural values and discipline among young people. According to him, addressing the challenge will require the collective efforts of schools, parents, religious leaders and communities to instil responsible behaviour in students.
The two-day conference, organised on the theme “Stemming the Growing Indiscipline in Schools in an Emerging World,” is expected to produce recommendations that will guide future policies on student discipline. Participants will also discuss safeguarding measures, codes of conduct for teachers and students, and strategies to strengthen discipline across schools.
Education experts say while digital platforms provide valuable learning opportunities, the misuse of social media can expose students to harmful content and negative influences if not properly monitored. They have therefore called for increased digital literacy, parental supervision and stronger guidance systems within schools to help students use technology responsibly.
The conference has attracted directors of education, teachers, parents, traditional and religious leaders, university administrators, security officials, Members of Parliament, teacher unions, students and other stakeholders, all seeking lasting solutions to improve discipline and strengthen Ghana’s education system.
BY GBEDEVI DORCAS SELORM