Prof. Justice Bawole Condemns Mockery of BECE Candidates by Social Media Content Creators
Justice Bawole, a lecturer and former Dean of the University of Ghana Business School, has strongly criticized the growing trend of mocking basic school students, especially newly graduated BECE candidates, on social media for entertainment and online engagement.
According to Prof. Bawole, it is unacceptable for content creators to take advantage of the weaknesses and communication difficulties of young students simply to attract views, reactions, and followers online.
His comments follow a recent viral incident in which a content creator approached candidates after their BECE English Language paper and interviewed them in English. During the interaction, the creator reportedly mocked the students’ responses and intelligence in a manner many social media users described as humiliating and insensitive.
Prof. Bawole expressed concern that such actions could negatively affect the confidence and emotional well-being of the students involved. He stressed that children and young learners should be encouraged and guided rather than publicly ridiculed because of their educational challenges or inability to communicate fluently in English.
ALSO READ: Teacher Granted GH¢30,000 Bail Over Alleged Assault of SHS Student in Ashanti Region
He further noted that many students across the country come from different linguistic and educational backgrounds, making it unfair to judge their intelligence solely based on how they respond to spontaneous interviews conducted under pressure after examinations.
The academic also questioned the ethics behind content creation that thrives on embarrassing vulnerable individuals for public amusement. He urged social media influencers and digital creators to use their platforms responsibly and contribute positively to society instead of promoting content that humiliates children for entertainment purposes.
The incident has sparked widespread debate online, with many Ghanaians calling for greater sensitivity and protection for students, especially minors, in the age of viral social media content.
Others have also appealed to parents, schools, and educational authorities to pay closer attention to how students are portrayed online after examinations and public events.
Watch the video below:
Join our WHATSAPP CHANNEL, WHATSAPP GROUP 1, WHATSAPP GROUP 2 and TELEGRAM CHANNEL to get all relevant teaching resources to make your lessons effective.
Subscribe to this blog and follow us on facebook
