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Internet usage, access, and supervision among Ghanaian children: a cross-sectional study

Author

Listed:
  • Frank Kyei-Arthur

    (University of Environment and Sustainable Development)

  • Sylvester Kyei-Gyamfi

    (Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection)

  • Solomon Sarpong

    (University of Environment and Sustainable Development
    University of Environment and Sustainable Development)

Abstract

Children’s access to and usage of the Internet has numerous benefits. However, their Internet access and use may pose risks to them, including cyberbullying, grooming, sexting, and exposure to dangerous materials. These risks may be exacerbated by inadequate supervision of children’s online activities. Therefore, this study examined the prevalence of Internet use, Internet access, and Internet use supervision among children aged 8–17 in Ghana. This study used secondary quantitative and qualitative data from the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used to analyze the quantitative data. In contrast, the qualitative data was analyzed using the constant comparison method with the aid of NVivo software version 10. The results showed that 90.5% of children had ever used the Internet. Smartphones (45.7), café facilities (21.7), and laptops/computers (21.6) were the most popular sources of Internet access. More than half of children (56.7) indicated they received little or no supervision when using their smartphones to access the Internet, which could lead to engagement in fraudulent activities, exposure to violent scenes online, and Internet addiction. The study found that most children had never used the Internet and received little or no supervision when accessing the Internet. It is, therefore, recommended that children need to be educated on the benefits and potential risks of excessive Internet use. Also, parents need to supervise and monitor their children’s Internet usage at home.

Suggested Citation

  • Frank Kyei-Arthur & Sylvester Kyei-Gyamfi & Solomon Sarpong, 2024. "Internet usage, access, and supervision among Ghanaian children: a cross-sectional study," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:11:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-024-03482-8
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-024-03482-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jasmina Byrne & Patrick Burton, 2017. "Children as Internet users: how can evidence better inform policy debate?," Journal of Cyber Policy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 2(1), pages 39-52, January.
    2. Gallego, Francisco A. & Malamud, Ofer & Pop-Eleches, Cristian, 2020. "Parental monitoring and children's internet use: The role of information, control, and cues," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    3. Leonardo Bursztyn & Lucas C. Coffman, 2012. "The Schooling Decision: Family Preferences, Intergenerational Conflict, and Moral Hazard in the Brazilian Favelas," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 120(3), pages 359-397.
    4. Correa, Teresa & Pavez, Isabel & Contreras, Javier, 2017. "Beyond access: A relational and resource-based model of household Internet adoption in isolated communities," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(9), pages 757-768.
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    Cited by:

    1. Frank Kyei-Arthur, 2024. "Prevalence and predictors of internet use among Ghanaian older adults: evidence from the Ghana 2021 Population and Housing Census," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-9, December.

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