The increasing trend of grandparents taking on parenting roles is drawing attention from societal and political figures due to a significant rise in teenage pregnancies. Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar emphasizes the alarming statistic of over 460 teenagers falling pregnant within the year’s first half, urging immediate action from both government and families.
Kumar criticizes an evident decline in parental responsibility, spotlighting a growing trend where children are sent to rural areas to live with grandparents while parents engage in other endeavors. She calls for a return to nurturing strong values and principles in children to ensure their guidance towards positive paths. The liberal freedoms and the influential pull of social media are seen as contributors to risky behaviors among youth.
This concern over youth pregnancies resonates with several governmental and community leaders, who stress the need for robust support systems for young mothers. Proposals include comprehensive sexual education and community involvement to create safer environments. Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, points out the need for collaborative efforts to manage teenage pregnancy’s consequences, suggesting supportive structures for education, counseling, and family adoption.
Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa highlights factors such as technology-driven social changes and weakening family bonds as underlying challenges. There’s a noted erosion of traditional values and a lack of parental supervision, which compounds the difficulties faced by today’s youth.
Religious and community figures also contribute, advocating for collective societal responsibility and practical support systems. Churches and community organizations promote breaking down societal stigmas, offering compassionate care to young mothers.
The prevailing message is clear: while governmental assistance is vital, the onus is primarily on parents and the community. By engaging and guiding youth with empathy and informed approaches, society can aim for a reduction in teenage pregnancies and nurture children in environments that foster care and responsibility. This united front hopes to cultivate a future of well-informed, healthy individuals who contribute positively to community resilience and growth.