Child protection advocacy group Child Rights International (CRI) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as alarming levels of excessive screen time and increasing online risks faced by children in Ghana
It called for urgent national intervention, including a proposed outright ban on social media access for persons under 17 years, emphasizing the need for safe, responsible, and child-centred digital environments to protect Ghana’s future generation.
In a newly issued report dated June 19, 2026, and signed by the Executive Director Bright Appiah, the organisation warns that children aged between 5 and 12 are increasingly exposed to harmful digital environments due to unregulated access to smartphones, tablets, and online platforms.
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The study found that about 80% of children surveyed engage with screens daily, spending between 2 and 7 hours per day, often without adequate parental supervision.
According to the report, unrestricted access to social media platforms is exposing children to inappropriate content, harmful online trends, misinformation, and algorithm-driven recommendations that bypass safety controls—especially when using shared or adult devices.
Child Rights International is recommending a complete restriction of social media access for children below 17 years, backed by strict age-verification systems and penalties for non-compliance by digital platforms operating in Ghana.
The group argues that many social media personalities influence children without adhering to child protection standards, exposing them to lifestyles and behaviours that may negatively affect moral and cognitive development.
The report also highlights a disturbing increase in children being exposed to sexual invitations, explicit content, and online grooming risks across platforms, including gaming sites, advertisements, and social media feeds.
It warns that such exposure could lead to long-term psychological and emotional harm, including distorted perceptions of relationships and personal boundaries.
The organisation urges parents and caregivers to actively use parental control tools, content filters, and screen-time restrictions while engaging children in continuous digital safety education.
It also calls for stronger coordination between child protection agencies, law enforcement, and internet service providers to address online child exploitation more effectively.
Child Rights International cautions that unchecked digital exposure could weaken family bonds, warning that children may lose meaningful interpersonal communication within households if current trends continue.