The Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, Naba Baba Salifu Atamale Lemyaarum, has raised concerns over the rising incidence of teenage pregnancy, attributing the trend partly to children’s increasing exposure to sexual content on television and social media.
According to the traditional leader, easy access to inappropriate content is influencing the behaviour of young people and exposing them to sexual activities at increasingly younger ages.
Speaking on Bolga FM’s Timaaga Sanga programme, Naba Salifu Atamale Lemyaarum said the content children consume on digital and traditional media platforms is having a significant influence on their attitudes and behaviour.
“Teenage pregnancy is increasing rapidly because our children are constantly exposed to sexual content on television and social media. What they watch is shaping their behaviour at a very young age,” he said.
The Paramount Chief also expressed concern over what he described as a decline in parental and community authority in disciplining children.
He said parents and teachers are increasingly hesitant to correct children when they misbehave, citing concerns about human rights and possible confrontations with parents.
“Today, parents and teachers are unable to discipline children when they do wrong because of human rights. This has created a lot of problems in our society,” he stated.
Naba Salifu Atamale Lemyaarum recalled a time when child upbringing was considered a collective responsibility, with adults within communities expected to correct children when they went astray.
He said that communal approach to discipline has gradually weakened, making it more difficult for communities to guide children and instil responsible behaviour.
“In the olden days, if a child did something wrong, any community member could correct or discipline that child. Today, if you discipline someone’s child, the parent may come and confront or even fight you,” he added.
The Paramount Chief stressed that addressing teenage pregnancy requires a collective effort involving parents, teachers, traditional leaders and the wider community.
He called for stronger parental guidance and mentorship for children, while urging adults to ensure that discipline is exercised within the bounds of the law and in ways that protect the rights and dignity of children.
He said a stronger partnership between families, schools and traditional authorities was necessary to help young people make responsible choices and address the factors contributing to teenage pregnancy.
Source: Bolgafmonline.com| 102.7 MHz| Mary Aperika| Bolgatanga
