Editorial
Avoid exposing young children to screens
According to experts, a child’s first year of life is crucial for their development, and during this time they should not be exposed to any screens at all as this can lead to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in young children.
A child with autism is unable to interact socially with peers in a typical way due to a neurological deficiency in brain functioning. It makes it difficult to engage and speak with other people.
In fact, there is rise in children’s screen time exposure in this technological age. While there are unquestionable advantages to electronic gadgets, too much screen time can be harmful to a child’s brain development.
Communication problems, strange social interactions, delayed cognitive and learning capacities, and improper emotional responses are a few of these.
Apart from watching TV, young children are given iPads, tablets, phones, and other electronic gadgets to use for extended periods of time without parental supervision. This puts the children in danger.
Studies have shown that children who spend more time in front of screens are more likely to acquire ASD, even though other studies have found that children who play video games do better academically and in terms of intellectual functioning.
Still, not enough information has been gathered to validate this association.
Additionally, compared to children exposed later or never exposed to screens at all throughout their early years of life, children who are exposed to screens earlier in life have a higher chance of having ASD.
Over the past few years, autism has become more common in Ghana, where many young children have reported to medical facilities showing symptoms of the illness.
It is often believed that people with autism typically have less fulfilling lives than those without the condition because of their social isolation and low self-esteem, which can create anxiety and sadness.
Parental stress and family stress are common when a child has autism. Taking care of the child’s requests requires patience because it takes a lot of time and can quickly lead to tension, agitation, and exhaustion in a mother.
Furthermore, it can be challenging for a woman to raise an autistic child and take care of the rest of the family if she is experiencing mental, emotional, or financial difficulties.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that children under the age of two should not use screens at all, while children over the age of three should only use screens for one hour each day.
So, prior to the age of two, parents should refrain from allowing their children to use screens unsupervised. If you notice any indications of a disorder in your child, get assistance as soon as possible to help treat the condition.
Have face-to-face conversations with your children and make sure they are exposed to outdoor play and toys rather than letting them use phones and iPads.
Dear Editor,
Walking along roads in some parts of the capital has become increasingly challenging.
While trading on pedestrian walkways remains a concern in certain areas, the parking of vehicles on road shoulders also poses a serious risk to pedestrians.
Often, pedestrians are forced to walk dangerously close to these parked vehicles or even step into the middle of the road to make way for oncoming traffic.
This situation is not only frustrating but also highly unsafe.
I recall an incident when I alighted at a lorry station and was walking home. A Tata bus was approaching, and due to vehicles parked on both sides of the road, I had nowhere to walk safely.
The situation became so dangerous that I had to quickly jump into a nearby shop to avoid being knocked down by the oncoming Tata bus.
That experience was frightening and could have easily resulted in an accident.
In my view, it is time for authorities in the road sector, such as the National Road Safety Authority and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, to take urgent action to address this issue and prevent possible loss of life.
Strict enforcement measures, including towing improperly parked vehicles and imposing substantial fines, would serve as a deterrent to offenders.
From Ray
Adabraka
Dear Editor,
I wish to use this column of your respected newspaper to appeal to the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to consider bringing back the practice where students stayed home for some months after completing the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Within that period where they stay home for some time and wait for their results, it afforded parents some time to prepare and save towards the next move in the academic life of their children.
In recent times, students are quickly admitted into Senior High School immediately after their examinations, leaving little time for parents and guardians to adequately prepare financially and emotionally for the next stage of their children’s education.
Many parents, therefore struggle to buy school items such as chop boxes, trunks, mattresses, uniforms and other necessities within the short period given.
This situation places pressure on families, especially those with low incomes.
Previously, the break after BECE allowed students to rest after years of academic work while parents and guardians made proper preparations for their wards.
It also gave students enough time to learn vocational skills, assist their families and mature before entering boarding school life.
Bringing back this period will greatly reduce stress on both parents and students and help ensure better preparation for Senior High School education.
And one other thing we have not taken notice of is that within that period, parents also prepare their children mentally and psychologically before they go to school. They are thought how to be independent.
So we see new secondary students displaying an appreciable level of maturity which is missing in this era where they go to senior high schools and still behave like primary school kids.
I hope the authorities will carefully consider this concern in the interest of students, parents and guardians across the country.
By Eugene Ampiaw,
Accra.
