(VIDEO) Biakoye MP Urges Parents to Monitor Children’s Social Media Use
Biakoye MP Jean-Marie Formadi calls on parents to closely monitor children's online activities and promote African values in the digital age.
- MP urges parents to monitor children's online content.
- Calls for more African-focused digital content.
- Encourages responsible use of AI for development.
The Member of Parliament for Biakoye, Jean-Marie Formadi, has called on parents to take a more active role in monitoring the content their children consume on social media and digital platforms.
According to the lawmaker, the rapid growth of social media and exposure to foreign content are having a significant impact on African cultural values and traditions, particularly among the younger generation.
Speaking after the conclusion of the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Sovereignty and Family Values in Accra, Madam Formadi expressed concern that many children are increasingly adopting attitudes and behaviours that do not reflect traditional African values.
She noted that respect for elders, community responsibility, and family-oriented principles, which have long been central to African societies, appear to be declining due to the influence of content accessed through smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices.
The MP therefore urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to what their children watch online and to guide them toward content that promotes positive values and personal development.
Madam Formadi also advocated for the creation and promotion of more African-centered digital content that reflects the continent’s cultural heritage, traditions, and moral values. She argued that such content would help preserve African identity while providing children with educational and culturally relevant alternatives.
In addition, she encouraged Ghanaians to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly and use emerging technologies to improve productivity, education, innovation, and economic opportunities.
The Biakoye legislator emphasized that technology itself is not the problem but that its benefits depend on how it is used by individuals and society.
Also speaking after the conference, Theresa Awuni and Rita Naa Odoley Sowah expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the gathering.
The two lawmakers praised the conference for bringing together parliamentarians from across Africa to discuss issues affecting families, cultural values, governance, and development. They said such engagements provide an important platform for African countries to collaborate, share experiences, and develop common solutions to challenges facing the continent.
The conference focused on strengthening family values, promoting African cultural identity, and exploring policy approaches that support sustainable development and social cohesion across the continent.
From Martin Kwabena Ahwireng Quaye
