Accra, Ghana – September 10, 2025 – As the new school year begins across Ghana, Child Online Africa (COA) is urging students, parents, and teachers to prioritize online safety to ensure a secure and productive digital experience for children. With increased access to smartphones, tablets, and computers for learning and socializing, COA emphasizes the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and tools to navigate the internet safely.

The rise in digital learning platforms and social media use has opened up vast opportunities for education and connection but also exposes children to risks such as cyberbullying, online predators, and exposure to inappropriate content. COA is calling on families and schools to promote open conversations about responsible internet use and to implement practical measures to protect students online.

Key Cyber Safety Tips for the School Year

1. Set Clear Boundaries: Parents and guardians should establish rules for screen time and discuss which websites, apps, and platforms are safe and age-appropriate. Encourage children to seek permission before downloading apps or sharing personal information online.
2. Educate on Privacy: Teach children not to share personal details such as their full name, address, phone number, or school information online. Ensure privacy settings are enabled on social media accounts and gaming platforms.
3.  Recognize Cyberbullying: Discuss the signs of cyberbullying, such as receiving hurtful messages or being excluded online. Encourage children to report incidents to a trusted adult or teacher and to avoid engaging with bullies.
4.  Use Parental Controls: Leverage built-in parental control tools on devices and apps to monitor and limit online activity. Regularly review browsing history and app usage to ensure children are accessing safe content.
5. Promote Open Communication: Create a safe space for children to share their online experiences without fear of judgment. Encourage them to report anything that makes them uncomfortable, such as suspicious messages or inappropriate content.
6. Stay Informed: Parents and educators should stay updated on the latest apps, games, and social media trends popular among children. Understanding the digital landscape helps adults guide students effectively.

Child Online Africa’s Initiatives

COA is rolling out a series of workshops and resources for schools across Ghana to promote cyber safety. These include:

• School Outreach Programs: Interactive sessions for students, teachers, and parents to learn about online risks and safety strategies.
• Teacher Training in Ai Literacy: for educators to integrate cyber safety into the curriculum and recognize signs of online harm.
• Community Awareness Campaigns: Public service announcements and resources in local languages to reach families in urban and rural areas.

“Children are spending more time online than ever before, and while the internet is a powerful tool for learning, it comes with real risks,” said Awo Aidam Amenyah, Executive Director of Child Online Africa. “We encourage families and schools to work together to create a safe digital environment where children can thrive without fear.”

Resources for Families

COA has launched a dedicated online safety portal at  https://toolkits.childonlineafrica.org/, offering free guides, and tip sheets for parents and educators. Schools can also contact COA to schedule workshops or request tailored resources for their communities.

As the school year kicks off, COA urges parents to have regular conversations with their children about their online activities and to model responsible digital behavior. Schools are encouraged to partner with COA to integrate cyber safety education into their programs, ensuring that students are empowered to use technology safely and confidently.

For more information or to schedule a workshop, contact Child Online Africa at info@childonlineafrica.org or visit www.childonlineafrica.org.

About Child Online Africa

Child Online Africa is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the safety and well-being of children in the digital world. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, COA works to protect young people from online risks while empowering them to harness the benefits of technology.