Parents have been urged to allow their adolescent children to use smartphones only when they are mature enough to make decisions about what is right or wrong.
This is believed to ensure that teenagers use phones at the right time and for the right purposes.
Dr. Mrs. Alimatu-Saadia Yussiff, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, at the University of Cape Coast, made this call during a one-day symposium held by the School’s Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD).
The symposium was organised for some adolescent girls including boys from Amamoma Imam Khomeini Junior High School and some Basic and primary schools from Gomoa Central District.
It also formed part of activities held by CEGRAD UCC to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, a celebration slated for every October 11.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mrs Yussiff, says parents can consider factors like how reliable their teenagers are when deciding to allow their children to use smartphones.
She explains that due to the consequences of smart devices, there should be an age limit in allowing children to use such devices.
“From thirteen and above is where we have the teenage age, where they are inquisitive to learn and eager to do anything online, with empowerment and guidance from parents to use these smart devices is very important,” she continued.
To her, parents and teachers should take an active role in nurturing teenagers to become responsible adults as their decisions on what is right or wrong “will come as a result of their upbringings.”
On her part, Dr. Yvonne Adjakloe, a Lecturer at the Department of Geography and Regional Planning, UCC urged parents to be open-minded and supportive in guiding their teenage girls to make career decisions.
Making a presentation on Career Choices in the Digital Age at the event, she emphasized the importance of parents not forcing their wards to toe a particular career path indicating that every individual has a unique interest and talents.
Thus, she stressed that parents help and support the interests of their teenage girls to enable them excel to and safeguard their future.
On her part, the Director of CEGRAD UCC, Professor Eunice Fay Amissah explained that with the interest CEGRAD has in helping girls to realize their dreams, the Centre will continue to organize programmes that will help amplify girl’s voices and build a world where every girl can lead and thrive.
She said the Centre’s aim is to also initiate a mentorship programme for young girls to learn from assigned distinguished women in the society who will mentor them.
The symposium was on the theme “Digital Generation, Our Generation.”
Read also: Digital Training, A Must for all Teenage girls in Ghana – CEGRAD UCC Director
Source: Rosemond Asmah/ATLFMNEWS
