Child Online Africa is deeply concerned by the growing exposure of Ghanaian children to content and experiences far beyond their developmental comprehension and emotional maturity.

Recent observations highlight alarming trends: television programs frequently broadcast without adequate age-appropriate targeting, exposing young viewers to mature themes; public functions and events feature adult-oriented songs and performances where children are encouraged to dance, normalizing inappropriate behavior; and on social media platforms like Facebook, viral reels depict children being used in skits involving "spicing" drinks or simulating physical violence such as slaps with exaggerated sound effects for entertainment purposes. These practices not only undermine children's innocence but also risk normalizing harmful behaviors, including potential exposure to exploitation, violence, and substance-related content.

Ghana cannot claim to be truly child-friendly while such exposures persist unchecked. Children deserve better from all of us—parents, media practitioners, event organizers, regulators, and society at large. Every stakeholder has a shared responsibility under Ghana's Children's Act, the Data Protection Act, the Cybersecurity Act, and international commitments like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to safeguard children from harm in both physical and digital spaces.

Child Online Africa reminds all stakeholders of their critical roles and urges immediate action. We propose the following targeted recommendations:

To Media Houses and Broadcasters (TV and Radio):

- Implement strict age-rating systems and scheduling guidelines to ensure programs with adult themes are aired only during watershed hours when children are unlikely to be watching.

- Promote and prioritize child-friendly content that educates, entertains, and aligns with Ghanaian cultural values without exposing children to mature materials.

To Social Media Platforms and Content Creators:

- Enforce robust age-verification and content moderation policies to prevent the viral spread of videos involving children in inappropriate, exploitative, or violent skits.

- Team-up with child protection organizations to develop guidelines prohibiting the use of children in content that simulates harm, substance use, or adult behaviors.

To Event Organizers, DJs, and Entertainment Providers:

Curate age-appropriate music and performances at family or children's events, avoiding adult-themed songs that encourage suggestive dancing and behavior among minors.

- Establish clear policies requiring parental consent and supervision for children's participation in public performances.

To Parents, Guardians, and Families:

- Actively monitor and guide children's exposure to media, social platforms, and events, discussing the implications of inappropriate content.

- Report harmful online videos or events to relevant authorities and platforms.

To Government and Regulatory Bodies (Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection; National Media Commission; Cyber Security Authority; National Communications Authority):

- Strengthen enforcement of existing laws on child protection in media and online spaces, including mandatory content filters and penalties for violations.

- Let’s have continues public awareness campaigns on child-safe media consumption and collaborate with NGOs for nationwide education on digital and offline child protection.

Protecting our children is not optional: it is a collective moral and legal imperative. Child Online Africa stands ready to team-up with stakeholders who are ready to implement these recommendations and call for a safer, more nurturing environment for Ghana's children.