By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara

Across the country today, there is growing concern about the direction in which many young people are heading. A significant number of school-going children appear more focused on short-term entertainment than on building a meaningful future through education and discipline.

In life, success rarely comes without sacrifice. young people must be willing to dedicate time to their studies, develop positive habits, and remain focused on their goals. without this commitment, it becomes increasingly difficult for them and even their families to achieve a better and more secure future.

One of the major distractions affecting students today is the excessive use of mobile phones. Many pupils spend long hours on their devices, both inside and outside the classroom. Instead of paying attention to their teachers or revising their notes, some students are busy scrolling through social media, listening to music, creating TikTok videos, or watching online content.

In earlier years, communication between students especially between boys and girls was far more limited. Sometimes young people exchanged handwritten letters. Today, however, mobile phones and internet access have changed this dynamic dramatically. Some students are now exposed to inappropriate content online, and others use their phones to secretly arrange meetings with boyfriends or girlfriends after school, during weekends, or while sent on errands.

When parents or guardians are not around to supervise them, some young people misuse this freedom. Instead of engaging in productive activities, they spend excessive time on their phones, which can lead to unhealthy relationships, immoral behaviour, or even involvement in drug abuse.

Drug abuse itself has become another alarming problem among young people. Substances such as Tramadol and Kush are increasingly being used by some youths. These drugs are extremely dangerous, affecting not only their physical and mental health but also their ability to concentrate in school and build a promising future.

In light of these growing challenges, I strongly appeal to the government and educational authorities to consider restricting the use of mobile phones during school hours across the country. Such a measure would help minimize distractions in the classroom and allow students to focus on learning.

At the same time, stronger action must be taken against individuals who sell drugs to young people. Protecting the next generation requires firm laws, effective enforcement, and the collective responsibility of parents, teachers, communities, and government institutions.

The future of our nation depends largely on the choices our young people make today. If we fail to guide and protect them now, we risk losing a generation that should otherwise be leading Sierra Leone toward progress and development.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 11th March 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)