GES bans skin bleaching in SHSs in a new code of conduct for students

GES bans skin bleaching in SHSs in a new code of conduct for students but will the code be implemented well to ensure it achieves its purpose?

Have you noticed how fair most of the boarding SHS female students are in Ghana? The truth of the matter is that they use skin-bleaching creams. Do you remember how fair female SHS students spewed unprintable words against the president in the not-distant past?

JHS graduates get to the SHS, and the next time they return home, their colour begins to transform so quickly.

The Ghana Education Service (GES) seems to have found an antidote to the skin bleaching practice in SHS, which is mainly among female students and more often practiced by students in boarding schools.

The GES, per its new student’s code of conduct, has forbidden skin bleaching among students across all Second Cycle institutions nationwide.

The GES, knowing the gravity of the practice, dedicates a section to the issue under the “Improper Dressing” section, which explicitly states that

“Bleaching of the skin by a student shall not be allowed.” The issue of bleaching among SHS students is a serious matter of great concern to parents. The GES can deal with the craving for fair skin among SHS students if it can tame and deal with SHS2 and SHS3 students currently in school. These students have inherited the practice from their predecessors and will hand it over to the new SHS1 students if the laws are loosely applied in our various schools.

Skin bleaching, also known as skin lightening, can have a wide range of negative health implications for female students in Ghana’s senior high schools. These implications can be both physical and psychological. Here are some of the most common:

Physical health implications of skin bleaching  among SHS students

• Skin irritation and inflammation: Bleaching creams often contain harsh chemicals like mercury, steroids, and hydroquinone, which can cause irritation, redness, burning, and even blistering.
• Increased risk of infection: Bleaching can weaken the skin’s natural barrier, making it more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections.
• Scarring: Repeated use of bleaching creams can lead to permanent scarring, especially if the skin is scratched or irritated.
• ** ochronosis:** A rare but serious condition caused by the overuse of certain bleaching agents, ochronosis causes dark, blue-black patches to form on the skin, most commonly on the face and neck.
• Kidney damage: Mercury, a common ingredient in bleaching creams, can build up in the kidneys and cause damage over time.
• Liver damage: Steroids, another common ingredient in bleaching creams, can damage the liver, especially with prolonged use.
• Cancer: Some studies have shown a link between the use of certain bleaching creams and an increased risk of skin cancer.

GES bans skin bleaching in SHSs- The Psychological health implications of bleaching

• Low self-esteem: Using skin bleaching products can be a sign of low self-esteem and dissatisfaction with one’s natural appearance. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
• Addiction: Some people become addicted to the use of bleaching creams, even though they are aware of the risks.
• Body image issues: Bleaching can contribute to body image issues, particularly among young girls who are bombarded with messages in the media that promote lighter skin as being more beautiful.

READ: Bleaching among Free SHS female students, dangers and Benefits

Students and the general public must avoid bleaching and all the negatives that come with it. Students must also be made aware of the following issues:

• Misleading advertising: Skin-bleaching products are often marketed with false claims about their effectiveness and safety.
• Counterfeit products: Many bleaching products sold in Ghana are counterfeit and may contain even more harmful ingredients than genuine products.
• Social pressure: In some Ghanaian communities, there is a strong pressure to have lighter skin. This can lead to young girls feeling like they need to bleach their skin in order to be accepted and feel beautiful.