Unrestricted viewing of films by youth said to be dangerous

Mrs Leticia Osafo, Greater Regional Manager of the Presbyterian Schools, has suggested that the unrestricted viewing of films by children and the youth could be one of the causes of violence and lawlessness in the country.

She said the endearing violence, lawlessness and other vices that the youth or the children see on TV sets and films could influence them to pick up such habits.

Mrs Osafo, who said this at the celebration of the 10th Speech and Prize-giving Day of the Lartebiokorshie Presby Primary School at the weekend, expressed the concern that some television programmes stimulate viewers to be more violent and aggressive in their behaviour.

She observed that the theme for the occasion: “The Essence of the Fear of God and Discipline in the Training of the Child,” was a perfect one adding that “if the school and the home which are the principal actors in bringing up the child perform their roles creditably, then certain influences in the outside world that may conflict with good attribute acquired by the children will be overcome.”

The Presbyterian School Manager said education should provide an individual with the necessary skills, knowledge and capabilities to enable him or her to become self-supporting and useful in the society.

“The essence of the fear of God and discipline in the training of the child are very crucial because they are the primary importance of obeying and doing the will of god, and for a positive reward,” she said.

Mrs Safo said “if we want to build a strong and prosperous nation, we must train our children and the youth in the fear of God and discipline.

“Discipline is about obedience, a child through with good training will learn to obey rules and orders in the school at home and in the community” adding that “a God fearing and disciplined child is responsible, gentle, humble, self-controlled and comports him or herself properly in society.”

She urged teachers and parents to exhibit good moral values in their daily activities for children to emulate as they learn by imitation.

Mr Theophilus Tetteh Chaie, Member of Parliament for the area, said motivating teachers was the key to improving the quality, accessibility and relevance of education.

He said “government is committed to investing in people and I can assure you that teachers will be motivated to enable them to play their roles effectively towards attainment of this goal.”

He said there was the need for all hands on deck approach for the education of the children and urged parents not to shirk their responsibilities so that together, “we can have a holistic development of the child in a congenial atmosphere of partnership and solidarity.”

He later commissioned an eight-seater water closet toilet at the cost of GH₵205,000 and expressed appreciation to WaterAid for the assistance in providing the facility.

Source: GNA