Like the saying goes, ‘a picture is worth a thousand words, therefore’, an unflattering upload could give you a brand you never thought off.

J Initiative, a child and family focused organisation in Ghana is alerting users of Facebook, WhatsApp and other social media networking site of the consequences associated with posting nude pictures, dead bodies of people and other extremely graphic pictorial content on young people.

According to the NGO, such behaviour affects the sensibilities and the psyche of children and young people who are also consumers of online resources.

Speaking to Joy News’ Richard Kwadwo Nyarko after a sensitisation program organised for Women In Law and Development in Africa –Ghana’s Girls Empowerment Clubs in three regions namely: in Accra, Volta and Central regions. Awo Aidam Amenyah, a child online protection advocate called on the general public to desist from posting pictures that affect the growth and development of the child.

“It is said that variety is the spice of life, but you can’t have everyone with same tastes. So even if you have a strong opinion about a particular issue, you may want to consider saving your thoughts for the appropriate audience in real time to ensure your views do not come across online as derogatory, discriminatory or inflammatory, particularly with regard to tribe, gender, sexuality and other hot-button issues.”

“Take for instance what you see on Facebook, WhatsApp and other sites these days: people sharing bodies of dead persons, bloody accident scenes, sexually captivating pictures and posts that leave much to be desired. I believe everyone should behave as a parent before you click on the button to post or share on any social media, think about your child and the younger generation.”, she stressed.

The Child online protection NGO warns if the trend does not change, a greater number of children and young people would be affected psychologically, socially and emotionally.

Awo Aidam Amenyah intimated that the country was on the verge of destroying the lives of many young children should what she calls ‘the careless’ practice does not cease.

“a shared responsibility in caring for our kids against online destruction is what we crave for and everyone (Government, Law enforcement, Industry, Teachers, Civil society, parent/guardian and young people themselves have a stake.”

“If the child is destroyed because we failed to empower them in order to be responsible online, it only goes to suggest that our future is no more. Let us be mindful of our conduct and language when we go online.”