In recent times, Ghana has witnessed a disturbing trend of Senior High School (SHS) students exhibiting shocking behaviour on social media.
Viral videos have surfaced, showing students smoking, boasting about snatching married men from their wives, and engaging in other forms of behaviour that are not only unbecoming but also unacceptable.
These incidents have sparked a national conversation about the impact of social media on the behaviour of Ghana’s youth and the need for guidance and mentorship.
It will be recalled that the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) recently expressed concern over the increasing trend of inappropriate and irresponsible statements being shared on social media by some recent high school graduates.
According to the Authority, these posts contain indecent language and troubling intentions, which can have serious consequences for the individuals involved and society at large.
This behaviour is not only a reflection of the students’ individual characters but also a symptom of a broader societal problem. The lack of guidance and mentorship, the pressure to conform to peer groups, and the influence of social media can all contribute to this kind of behaviour.
The Impact of Social Media on Youth Behaviour
Social media has become an integral part of modern life, and its impact on youth behaviour cannot be overstated. Studies have shown that excessive social media use can lead to addiction, decreased attention span, and increased risk of cyberbullying and online harassment.
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In Ghana, for instance, social media has become a significant platform for self-expression and socialisation among senior high school students. However, the lack of digital literacy and online safety awareness is leading some of the students to engage in inappropriate behaviour online.
Here are some of the viral videos made by some SHS students that gained popularity on social media.
Students of HOTCAS Senior High School, including a female student publicly smoking weed.
Video of Sunyani Senior High School (SUSEC) students smoking shisha goes viral
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Video of Adanwomase SHS students inappropriately touching female students
Video capturing female SHS graduates warning married women
Final-year students warn married women
SHS students twerking
Final-year students warn married women
The behaviour of senior high school students on social media highlights the need for guidance and mentorship. Parents, educators, and guardians must take an active role in shaping the values and behaviour of Ghana’s youth.
This includes teaching digital literacy, online safety, and responsible social media use.
Schools and educational institutions also play a critical role in promoting positive behaviour and values among students. This can be achieved through curriculum design, extracurricular activities, and mentorship programmes.
In a nutshell, the behaviour of senior high school students on social media reflects the values and norms of society.
The society must then take responsibility for shaping the values and behaviour of the youth, and this can be done by promoting digital literacy, providing mentorship, and encouraging positive role models.
