{
  "id": 20032061,
  "title": "Experts urge Ghanaian youth to rethink their online behaviour as digital risks grow",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/experts-urge-ghanaian-youth-to-rethink-their-online-behaviour-as",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-14T18:56:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/experts-urge-ghanaian-youth-to-rethink-their-online-behaviour-as-digital-risks-grow/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners in Ghana has urged young people to reconsider their online behavior, warning that the increasing exposure to digital risks could adversely impact their mental health and overall well-being. During the society's inaugural public lecture, held on November 13 at the British Council, the topic of discussion was \"Growing Up Online: Social Media, Mental Health, and the Future of Ghana's Youth\".\n\nThe event gathered members of the society, speakers, and students from the African University of Communication and Business and the University of Ghana Medical Students' Association. Dr. Andre Kwasi Kumah, the National President of the society, outlined the decision to organize the lecture as an opportunity to broaden the organization's focus beyond medical issues to encompass social developments affecting the population. Though established in 1968, the society had traditionally concentrated on health matters during its annual general meetings.\n\nWhile acknowledging the advantages of social media, such as fostering connections, providing learning opportunities, and exposing young people to new businesses and ideas, the society expressed concerns over its adverse effects. These include cyberbullying, low self-esteem, and mental health challenges. Dr. Kumah stated that the lecture aimed to facilitate an open dialogue on how society could optimize the benefits of social media while mitigating the associated risks.\n\nHilda Mensah, a Child Protection Specialist with UNICEF Ghana, emphasized the various dangers young people face online, including grooming, cyberbullying, and sextortion, which could significantly affect their mental health. In an interview with Myjoyonline, she pointed out that the internet has become an integral part of daily life, offering opportunities for connection, learning, conducting business, and skill development.",
  "summary": "The Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners has called for responsible use of social media among young people, warning that growing exposure to online risks could have serious consequences for their mental health and well-being.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ghanaian youth urged to rethink online behavior due to growing digital risks",
    "Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners organizes lecture on November 13",
    "Concerns over cyberbullying, low self-esteem, and mental health challenges"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "Experts urge Ghanaian youth to rethink their online behaviour as digital risks grow",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/experts-urge-ghanaian-youth-to-rethink-their-online-behaviour-as-20033531",
        "published": "2026-11-14T19:33:38.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}