NCCE Mfantseman Municipal educate pupils on Cybersecurity and Drug Abuse

A click, a message or a seemingly harmless conversation online can expose a young person to serious risks. Recognizing the growing need to equip children with the knowledge to navigate both the digital world and everyday life safely, the Mfantseman Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) engaged pupils of Biriwa Methodist Basic School “A” and Asafora St. Joseph Catholic Basic School.

The engagement focused on drug abuse and cybercrime, particularly internet fraud, online child exploitation and abuse. Headteachers, teachers and pupils of the two beneficiary schools participated in the sensitization programme.

Speaking on responsible internet use, Philip Kweku Sagoe, Assistant Director, cautioned pupils against spreading fake news and misinformation. He encouraged them to verify information before sharing it and to use digital platforms mainly for productive purposes such as research, information gathering and completing academic assignments.

Mr. Sagoe also educated the pupils on online safety and the importance of protecting their personal information. The learners were cautioned against sharing sensitive details such as their physical features, home addresses, telephone numbers and other personal information with strangers or unknown persons online, as such practices could expose them to various forms of online abuse and exploitation.

On drug abuse, Mr. Wilfred Doughan, Assistant Director, educated the pupils on the harmful effects of substances including opioids, cannabis, tramadol, prescription painkillers, snuff, cocaine and heroin.

He explained that drug abuse can result in serious physical and mental health challenges, including respiratory problems, liver and kidney damage, heart disease and infectious diseases. He further noted that substance abuse among young people could affect cognitive functioning and academic performance, potentially leading to school dropout and limited future career opportunities.

The interactive sessions allowed pupils to ask questions and share their experiences and concerns regarding internet use and the effects of drug abuse.

The engagement ultimately equipped the learners with greater knowledge of their rights and responsibilities as young citizens in the digital age, while encouraging them to make responsible choices online and adopt healthy habits that protect them from the dangers of substance abuse.