In a related discussion, Mr. David Akpalo, Executive Director of Monarch Education and an educationist, speaking on Ahotor Adekyee Mu Nsem with Alexander Nana Dogbe at Lashibi, highlighted concerns about children, education, and the growing influence of digital content on young people.
He emphasized the need for stronger parental guidance and increased public awareness to help protect children in the digital space. According to him, effective IT systems and digital safeguards should be strengthened to monitor and restrict children’s access to pornographic content online.
Mr. Akpalo noted that beyond regulation, significant gaps remain in sexual education across many communities, leaving young people without adequate guidance. He explained that pornography often exposes children and adolescents to unrealistic and exaggerated portrayals of sexuality that differ greatly from the healthy relationship education promoted in schools. While curiosity about sexuality is a natural part of development, he cautioned that uncontrolled exposure can encourage unhealthy curiosity and risky behaviour.
He further warned that pornography can distort young people’s perceptions of relationships, intimacy, marriage, and family life. Continuous exposure, he said, may shape attitudes and behaviours that conflict with traditional family values and influence how young people approach relationships in adulthood.
Mr. Akpalo also stressed that children and adolescents are still developing emotionally and mentally, with decision-making abilities that are not yet fully matured. Without proper guidance and supervision, unrestricted access to such content can lead to compulsive viewing habits and potential addiction, resulting in long-term effects on their worldview and personal development.
He concluded that allowing such distorted perceptions to influence the next generation could undermine efforts to build strong family values and responsible communities. He therefore called for enhanced parental involvement, stronger digital regulations, and improved educational systems to ensure that young people develop a healthy, balanced, and realistic understanding of relationships and human development.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah
