Editorial
Supervise children when they are online
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic which hit Ghana in March this year posed a lot of challenges to Ghanaians, notable among them is the closure of schools for safety reasons.
As a result the use of the internet by children has increased significantly as they get the opportunity to be educated by mostly using the internet to access information while at home and also interact with others. Unfortunately, some abuse this opportunity.
Schools have been organising online classes for children to complete their academic work and to ensure that the children do not miss much academically while at home.
Although children use the internet to access information and to educate themselves, the danger is that some may be tempted to visit unsuitable sites that may harm them as parents are busy and most often not around to monitor closely what their children do online.
Due to technological advancement it is now common for children to use mobile phones, tablets, laptops and other electronic media or communication gadgets for their assignments.
What is so disturbing is that some children are so addicted to the internet that even while eating, they are still glued to their phones and browse alongside but this behaviour must be checked. This is not about child rights, it is more of protection and security.
With the growing trend in cyber crime, children are at risk and need to be guided for security reasons, therefore, parents or care-givers must be vigilant and inculcate in the children the need to be honest and self-disciplined to avoid being lured by predators.
Children are curious and vulnerable to all forms of attacks by these fraudsters who usually hide their real identities and use fake images to lure children and engage them in a hearty chat online.
There have been cases where parents have also set bad precedence to their children by watching harmful movies with them thus allowing these innocent children to imitate blindly.
The Spectator is worried about children being exposed to all forms of attacks online and so urges stakeholders, especially parents to support the Child Online Protection (COP) initiative launched by the United Nations Agency for Information Communication Technology (ICT), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to protect children while they are online. This is spearheaded by the National Communications Authority (NCA).
In this era of COVID-19 where when most children are home, they become bored and want to entertain themselves by going online as an option but parents can find alternative means to occupy their children.
In this technological age you cannot isolate your children by refusing them the use of the phone or going online but they must be guided and monitored closely as the online environment is risky for them.
Parents who are educated must avail themselves and discuss online safety issues with their children by advising them not to interact with strangers and divulge vital information about themselves to others.
Supervise children when they are online.
Food safety is essential because it protects public health by preventing foodborne illnesses, which affect millions of people globally.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns that foodborne illness should never occur since it is always preventable.
According to WHO, despite being mostly preventable, foodborne infections continue to be a significant global burden, accounting for at least 200 ailments that have an impact on health, livelihoods, education, and economies.
Estimates from the United Nations (UN), indicate that contaminated food is a serious global public health concern that results in 1.5 million fatalities and 866 million illnesses annually.
World Food Safety Day (WFSD) is celebrated annually on June 7. It was created by the UN and emphasises how governments, food producers, and consumers all have a part to play in avoiding, identifying, and controlling foodborne hazards.
This year’s theme for WFSD, “From burden to solutions – safe food everywhere,” emphasises how information on sickness, its burden, and lost lives can direct action toward targeted and affordable solutions.
People eat food from a variety of places, including their homes, markets, restaurants, roadside eateries, schools and office canteens. A combination of foods may occasionally have an impact on some individuals but not others. It is said that “one man’s meat is another man’s poison.”
Many have experienced severe health issues as a result of eating contaminated food without realising it. In some situations, this has resulted in food poisoning, and in other circumstances, it has caused fatalities.
These risks could be biological in nature, where foodborne illnesses are caused by living microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Also, cleaning products, herbicides, hazardous metals, and food additives can occasionally contaminate food.
Foreign materials including glass, metal pieces, plastic, hair, or bandages have occasionally been unintentionally put to food and caused damage.
In sensitive people, proteins including wheat, dairy, shellfish, and peanuts can potentially trigger severe allergic reactions.
The Spectator hopes that raising public awareness of the importance of adhering to fundamental food safety regulations, such as washing hands, sanitising surfaces, separating raw and cooked foods, and practising excellent personal hygiene, is crucial during this rainy season.
Food handling should also be done carefully, whether it is for regular meals at home or for a big gathering or event.
According to food science experts, contamination can be avoided by heating food to the right internal temperature and refrigerating perishable items. Accurately labelling and storing chemicals away from food is a crucial step in preventing food contamination.
To guarantee that individuals eat a safety-free diet, government must improve food control systems, surveillance networks, and public health regulations.
Tomorrow is Father’s Day, a day to honour fathers, for the roles they play in the family and society.
Every third Sunday in June, the world celebrates Father’s Day to show gratitude for the crucial role fathers and father-figures play in influencing people’s lives.
In the same way that mothers are honoured on Mother’s Day, fathers are also honoured in different ways by their children, grandchildren, and stepchildren, among others, for being a great father in their lives.
It is a common misconception that Father’s Day is not as well-known as Mother’s Day, but fathers are doing a fantastic job. Fathers, like mothers, both play equal and complementary roles in providing for a family and maintaining a home.
Many homes would have been destroyed, children would have strayed, and families would have fallen apart if it were not for a father’s love, care, protection, guidance, counselling, and provision.
Many fathers give their children emotional support and develop their inner-growth. Others lead exemplary lives for their children, showing them love, nurturing, providing excellent communication, discipline, guidance, and shelter.
Fathers put in a lot of effort to support their families, spend time with their children and some even go so far as to assist with housework.
Regardless of the circumstances, fathers should be honoured and celebrated for their steadfast support of their families, communities, and the country at large. It is a tremendous honour for society to acknowledge the essential roles that fathers play in community building, child development, and family stability.
Respecting positive male role models promotes active, involved parenting, which has significant effects on children’s social conduct, academic performance, and emotional health.
Some widowers have shown what it means to be a father because they take on dual responsibilities in helping their children develop into responsible adults. The Spectator applauds single fathers that fall into this group! Your efforts will never be in vain.
Although some fathers work in low-paying occupations, they are nonetheless able to support their children through higher education.
As the world celebrates fathers tomorrow The Spectator is calling on everyone to honour fathers or father-figures for their sacrifices and support in various ways. Take your father out to lunch or dinner, buy him presents, write encouraging notes, spend time with him, and make sure he has the best possible day.
We wish all fathers a Happy Father’s Day. Ayekoo!
