Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
Health and Wellness
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Health and Wellness
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Physical Education Health Core
Class: SHS 2
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 15
Grade code: 3.1.3.LI.2
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 3
Content standard code: 3.1.3.CS.2
Indicator code: 3.1.3.LI.2
Theme: Physical Activity and Health
Subtheme: Health and Wellness
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In today's Ghana, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a part of our daily lives. We use phones and computers for everything from chatting with friends on WhatsApp and watching videos on TikTok, to doing school research and sending Mobile Money (MoMo). While these tools are incredibly useful, like a trotro that gets you to your destination, they can be dangerous if not used safely and responsibly. This lesson explores the "other side" of ICT—the negative practices that can harm our physical, mental, and social health. Understanding these risks is the first step to becoming a smart, healthy digital citizen.
This topic focuses on two main ideas: (A) Negative ICT Practices and (B) Their Health Implications. A. What are Negative ICT Practices?
These are harmful, unsafe, or unhealthy ways of using digital devices like smartphones, laptops, and the internet. They are not just "bad habits"; they are actions that can directly lead to poor health.
We can group these practices into three main categories: Practices Affecting Physical Health: Prolonged Screen Time: Spending excessive hours staring at a screen without breaks. *Ghanaian Example:* Binge-watching a season of a popular series on a phone from 8 PM until 2 AM, or scrolling endlessly through Instagram feeds for hours. Poor Posture ("Tech Neck"): Hunching over a phone or laptop for long periods. This puts a lot of strain on the neck and spine. *Ghanaian Example:* A student lying on their bed with their head propped up at a sharp angle to type an assignment on a laptop. Sedentary Behaviour: Sitting or lying down for too long while using devices, leading to a lack of physical activity. *Ghanaian Example:* Spending the entire weekend indoors playing video games like FIFA or Call of Duty, instead of playing football outside with friends. Practices Affecting Mental and Emotional Health: Cyberbullying: Using digital platforms to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person. It is bullying that happens online. *Ghanaian Example:* Creating a WhatsApp group to spread gossip and make fun of a classmate, or posting insulting comments under someone's picture on Facebook. Doomscrolling: The act of continuously scrolling through bad news on social media or news sites, even though it is saddening or depressing. *Ghanaian Example:* During a major national event or crisis, a student spends hours reading every negative comment and watching every distressing video about it, making them feel hopeless. Information Overload & Comparison Culture: Being exposed to too much information and constantly seeing "perfect" lives on social media, leading to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety (Fear of Missing Out - FOMO). *Ghanaian Example:* Feeling sad or worthless after seeing friends post pictures of expensive clothes, phones, or outings, making you feel like your own life is not good enough. Practices Affecting Social and Personal Security: Oversharing Personal Information: Posting sensitive data like your full name, phone number, home location, school, or financial details (like MoMo PINs) online. *Ghanaian Example:* Posting a picture of your new ID card on your WhatsApp status or telling a "new online friend" exactly where you live. Engaging with Scams (Phishing): Responding to fake messages or clicking on suspicious links designed to steal your information or money. *Ghanaian Example:* Receiving a fake SMS that says "Your MoMo account has been blocked. Call this number immediately to restore it," and then giving away your PIN over the phone. Spreading Misinformation ("Fake News"): Sharing unverified stories, rumours, or false health advice without checking the source. *Ghanaian Example:* Forwarding a WhatsApp message that claims drinking a certain herbal mixture can cure a serious disease, without any scientific proof. B. The Health Implications
Every negative practice has a direct consequence on our health. Let's connect them clearly.