Child Online Africa has expressed deep concern over the growing exposure of Ghanaian children to content and experiences beyond their developmental comprehension and emotional maturity.

The advocacy group, in a statement released on Monday, December 29, 2025, highlighted that television programs, social media content, and public events are increasingly exposing minors to mature themes.

Executive Director of Child Online Africa, Awo Aidam Amenyah, said the trend “not only undermines children’s innocence but risks normalising harmful behaviours, including potential exposure to exploitation, violence, and substance-related content.”

She emphasised that such exposures violate Ghana’s Children’s Act, the Data Protection Act, and international commitments such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The group cited examples ranging from adult-oriented performances at public events where children are encouraged to dance, to viral social media reels depicting minors in skits involving simulated violence or alcohol “spicing.” Television programming, they noted, often lacks proper age-appropriate targeting, leaving children vulnerable to themes meant for mature audiences.

Child Online Africa outlined specific recommendations for stakeholders, including media houses, social media platforms, event organisers, parents, and government regulatory bodies.

Among the proposals are enforcing strict age-rating systems on television, moderating online content involving children, curating age-appropriate music at public events, and conducting nationwide awareness campaigns on safe media consumption.

Amenyah stressed that protecting children is a collective responsibility, urging immediate action from all sectors. “Every stakeholder has a shared duty to safeguard children from harm in both physical and digital spaces. We stand ready to team up with those committed to creating a safer, more nurturing environment for Ghana’s children,” she said.