The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, says the government was considering banning teachers from posting videos of students on TikTok and other social media platforms as part of plans to strengthen discipline in schools.
He said the proposed measure formed part of a broader review of school discipline, with a number of policy decisions expected after a national conference on indiscipline scheduled to be held in Sunyani in the Bono Region.
Speaking in a television interview with Channel One on Monday [July 28, 2026], Mr Haruna Iddrisu said he was inclined to prohibit the practice but would first examine the matter before taking a formal decision.
Responding to a question on the growing trend of teachers recording students for TikTok challenges and other social media content during school hours, Mr Iddrisu said: "I'm likely to pronounce a ban on that. I'm likely. Let me. I've just reviewed. You've just shared your story."
The issue came up after the host of the programme, Bernard Avle, referred to an open letter alleging that some teachers were using class time to record pupils for social media trends. The letter argued that the practice distracted from teaching and exposed children unnecessarily on online platforms.
Mr Iddrisu said he had only been shown examples of the videos during the interview and would study the practice before announcing any policy.
The Minister explained that the planned review would also examine the use of mobile phones by both students and teachers in and outside the classroom.
"I'm likely to make some far-reaching decisions and to guide matters relating to the use of the phone, both by students and teachers during classroom hours and outside classroom hours," he said.
Mr Iddrisu said recent reports of students carrying guns and cutlasses to school, assaulting teachers, damaging school property and engaging in examination malpractice pointed to the need for stricter disciplinary measures.
According to him, the national conference will bring together religious leaders, educationists and students to examine the causes of indiscipline in schools and propose practical measures to address the problem.
"If we miss it, then the future of this country will be compromised," he warned.
The Minister added that any decision on restricting the recording of students for social media would also be considered alongside the ministry's directive against extravagant graduation ceremonies.
He said he had requested a meeting with representatives of private schools to discuss the implementation of that directive.
Mr Iddrisu stressed that no immediate ban had been imposed. He said the proposal would be considered together with recommendations from the national conference before the government takes a final decision.
