A proposal by Child Rights International (CRI) to limit children’s access to social media is winning growing backing in Parliament, as MPs from both sides of the House rally behind calls for tighter online protections for minors.
Among the latest to voice support are Kpandai MP Mathew Nyindam and Twifo-Atti-Morkwa MP David Vondee, who argue that firmer regulation is necessary to protect children from harmful online material without stripping away the internet’s educational value.
Their comments follow a recent CRI study recommending legislation to bar children under 17 from social media platforms, alongside mandatory age-verification measures aimed at cutting children’s exposure to harmful content, cyber abuse and sexual exploitation.
In an interview with the DAILY GUIDE, Mr. Nyindam acknowledged that social media had become a vital tool for learning and communication among young people, but cautioned that unchecked access left children vulnerable to pornography, online scams and other unsuitable content.
“We are in a technological world today where social media is taking over from the traditional media. There are a lot of people, including children, who learn many things from social media. But there are also negatives, and children can easily be exposed to harmful content if there are no restrictions,” he said.
The Kpandai lawmaker threw his weight behind age-verification systems designed to keep underage users away from restricted content.
“There must be some kind of verification. If you are below the legislated age, you should not be allowed to access certain sites,” he stressed.
He was quick to add, though, that any restrictions ought to focus on shielding children rather than curbing adults’ access to online material.
Mr. Nyindam further called on government, parents, schools and tech companies to join forces in strengthening children’s safety online.