The recent release of the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results has prompted a call for parental empathy and understanding from Dr. Samuel Afriyie, a senior lecturer at Kumasi Technical University (KsTU). He cautions against the detrimental effects of harsh criticism and rebukes directed at students who performed below expectations. Dr. Afriyie emphasizes that such negative reactions can have profound psychological consequences, potentially leading to long-term emotional damage and a diminished sense of self-worth. He advocates for a shift in parental approach, urging parents and guardians to prioritize open communication and supportive engagement to help their children navigate academic challenges.
Dr. Afriyie highlights the importance of understanding the root causes of a student’s underperformance rather than resorting to punitive measures or verbal abuse. Factors contributing to poor results can be multifaceted, ranging from exam anxiety and unfavorable exam conditions to challenging home environments. Dismissing a child’s struggles as simply a lack of effort overlooks the potential presence of underlying issues that require attention and support. He stresses the need for parents to engage in open conversations with their children, providing a safe space for them to express their anxieties and difficulties. This fosters a sense of trust and encourages children to seek help and guidance without fear of judgment.
The senior lecturer underscores the potential for severe repercussions when children feel hopeless and rejected by their families due to academic setbacks. He cites documented cases of students losing interest in education altogether, and tragically, even resorting to suicide, as a direct consequence of parental pressure and negative reactions to their academic performance. This grim reality emphasizes the critical need for parents to approach their children’s academic struggles with empathy, understanding, and a focus on constructive solutions.
Dr. Afriyie advocates for a more supportive and nurturing approach to addressing academic challenges. He suggests that parents shift their focus from punishment and reprimands towards offering advice, encouragement, and demonstrating genuine concern for their children’s well-being. Building a child’s confidence, he argues, is far more effective than resorting to rebuke and criticism. By creating a positive and supportive environment, parents can empower their children to overcome setbacks, learn from their mistakes, and develop resilience in the face of academic challenges. This approach fosters a growth mindset, encouraging children to view challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement rather than as indicators of their inherent worth.
He further stresses that poor academic performance should not be equated with a lack of intelligence. A multitude of factors can contribute to a student’s struggles, including test anxiety, which can significantly impair performance even for well-prepared students. Unfavorable exam conditions, such as disruptive noise or uncomfortable temperatures, can also negatively impact a student’s ability to focus and perform at their best. Furthermore, challenging home environments, characterized by instability, stress, or lack of resources, can create significant barriers to academic success. Recognizing and addressing these contributing factors is crucial to providing effective support and fostering a child’s academic potential.
Dr. Afriyie’s message is a powerful reminder that parental support plays a vital role in a child’s academic journey. Rather than resorting to criticism and negativity, parents are encouraged to embrace a more understanding and empathetic approach. By creating a safe and supportive environment, fostering open communication, and seeking professional academic support when necessary, parents can empower their children to overcome challenges, develop their full potential, and cultivate a positive and resilient approach to learning. Ultimately, a focus on encouragement, guidance, and genuine concern will be far more effective than rebuke in nurturing a child’s academic growth and overall well-being.
