Ban Early Smartphone Use at Home and in Schools-Otumfuo Hiahene

Nana Prof Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, Otumfuo Hiahene, has mounted an advocacy for children to be deprived of early access to smartphones, and phone-free Schools across Ghana.

Speaking at the sod cutting ceremony of the Kumasi Children’s Park on December 5, 2024, he recommended reforms in schools.

These include more play, childhood independence, delayed smartphone use and phone-free schools.

According to him, these are critical for the healthy development of kids as technology is overshadowing it.

He recognized that the current generation is missing out on healthy ventures with the infiltration of technology particularly social media and smartphones.

“We talk about digital transformation and mobile devices which have dominated this Gen-Z, certain parameters must be necessary. In parts of the world and the United States, there are such recommendations being made for no smart phones before High School, no social media before age 16 and children must be allowed to navigate the most vulnerable period of brain development without excessive digital destruction and there should be no phones in schools.”

The Hiahene further urged the Regional and Education Ministers to put in place measures to implement such an initiative which he believes won’t be difficult.

“Schools should be phone-free. We need a phone-free environment for children. These four reforms: more play, childhood independence, delayed smart phone use and phone-free schools are not difficult to implement. With these steps, we can ensure a healthier, happier and more resilient future generation.”

Benefits of Outdoor Play
In his speech, he underscored the significance of the redevelopment of the Kumasi Children’s Park at Amakom, referencing the declaration of child rights by the United Nations (UN).

This right, he noted, includes the platform and liberty to play which can be done at venues such as the Children’s Park.

According to the traditional leader cum orthopedic surgeon, physical, outdoor play among children of mixed ages is the healthiest, most natural and most beneficial form of play.

“We forget that there is a very fundamental aspect of child development which is playing. Experience, not information is the key to emotional stability and development…To foster emotional growth and resilience, children need far more unsupervised play and greater independence. This is how they naturally develop social skills, overcome anxiety and learn self governance, growing into capable young adults.”

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini