Teachers tasks government, parents on content regulation, social media censorship

Disturbed by the threats and harm that today’s social media platforms and digital technologies pose to the community, the Lagos State Government Education District VI has advised students and parents to adopt the positive part of social media and avoid the negative part to benefit from the emerging technologies.

Speaking during the 19th Ramadan lecture themed ‘Effects of Social Media on the Community’, the Tutor General and Permanent Secretary, Education District VI, Dr. Shareefah Adejoke Yusuf, said most of the top poor character traits or vices reported among students are influenced by the negative impact of the social media.

“The topic for the Ramadan lecture was chosen due to issues within the community, especially in Nigeria and other parts of the world. Most of these vices has to do with the misuse of social media by our children. So, we feel that in as much as we cannot do without social media owning to its positive side, we have to educate people on the positive use of this technologies,” she said.

She noted that in cyberspace, there are so many uncensored videos and it is imperative to monitor children’s activities in cyberspace.

“You will not believe that some of the vices we see today, are as a result of uncensored videos and articles on social media. It is important to educate children who are just growing up on the danger of social media,” she said.

She added that parents have a major role to play to curb the misuse of social media in the community.

“The parent has a lot to do in limiting their children’s exposure to cyberspace. On the issue of social media misuse, parents have to be on their toes. Before they buy smartphones for their children, they must educate them on the proper use of smartphones. When they are well informed about technologies they will not fall victim to its negativity.”

He urged the government to put censorship policies in place to regulate contents display on cyberspace.

“Government must endeavour to censor videos and articles online to protect children from having access to those that are not meant for them. “

She recommended age 16 as the right age to allow children use the social media.

“At age 16 parents can give their children access to social media because at this age they will be out of secondary school and preparing to go to higher institution.

“If children must use the Internet before age 16, it must be accompanied by strict parental guidance because WAEC and JAMB past questions are uploaded on the Internet,” she advised.

She lamented the high rate of pornography discovered among Secondary students due to their free access to the Internet.

“The issue of pornography is common among Secondary pupils nowadays, due to their exposure to social media with no strict guidance.

“If you recall the ritual killing perpetrated by some boys of the age 16, they teamed up and killed their girlfriends because they believe what they saw on social media about money rituals that if they can get the human body and add some things to it, they will become rich,” she said.

Principal, Oke-Afa Senior Compressive College and Chairman Oshodi–Isolo Education District VI, Mrs Ogunbiyi Rafat Olushola, urged teachers to be disciplined and assist students in their studies because the teaching job can only be rewarded by Almighty Allah. “ The job of teachers is a work ordained by Almighty Allah and whoever works for Allah will never lack.”

She advised the children to be focused and dedicated to their studies, as the reward of hard work is a success.

“Social media has negative and positive impacts, the student should ensure they maximise the positive aspect of social media. Whoever works will definitely be rewarded. Just like the achievement of our TGPS.”

The Director, Co-Curriculum Science and Tech Education District VI, Mr. Paul Legbeti, said the yearly Ramadan lecture is organised by the district to feature Quran recitation and Quran quiz competition among students and the executives.

He said the Ramadan lecture is to appreciate God in the life of the students, test their IQ on the knowledge of Islam and also educate the students on the impact of social media in their studies.

“A majority of them are now using social media and as a Muslim student, social media must be used positively to get more information on their academic and faith,” he said.