The Executive Secretary of Monarch Education Hub, David Akpalo, has said social media itself is not harmful, but its misuse by children is contributing to growing concerns over student indiscipline and insubordination in schools.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem programme with Alexander Nana Dogbe in Accra on Friday, June 26, 2026, Mr. Akpalo explained that social media can be a valuable educational tool when properly guided. He noted that students can use online platforms for learning and research if they are taught responsible digital habits.
According to him, Ghana’s education system has not adequately integrated digital literacy into the curriculum to deliberately teach students how to use social media productively. He stressed that this gap is a key factor driving misuse among young people.
Mr. Akpalo said digital literacy should be made a core part of the national curriculum to equip students with the skills needed to use social media constructively rather than for harmful purposes. He also called on parents to play a more active role in supervising their children’s use of smartphones and other digital devices.
He advised parents to engage children in educational activities and closely monitor their online behaviour, warning that unrestricted access to phones without guidance can expose them to negative influences.
Mr. Akpalo further emphasized that addressing student indiscipline linked to social media requires a joint effort between schools, parents, and policymakers to promote responsible digital citizenship and ensure technology supports education rather than undermines discipline.
Story by Stephen Owusu Mintah
