The responsibility of child-rearing is increasingly shifting to grandparents as parents fail to fulfill their duties, often influenced by the rise in teenage pregnancies, according to Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar. Data from the Health Ministry indicates that over 460 teenagers became pregnant within the first half of the year, a statistic that Kumar asserts should alarm all stakeholders, including families and government.
Kumar criticizes a growing laxity in parental responsibility, where children are sent off to villages or settlements for grandparents to raise while parents pursue other pursuits. She warns that this trend cannot persist, urging parents to instill strong values and principles in their children to guide them along the right path. The societal issues contributing to this include unchecked freedoms leading to harmful behaviors and the significant influence of social media that entices youth towards risky lifestyles.
The concern around youth pregnancy is not isolated, as similar sentiments have been echoed by various government and community leaders. The need for a stronger support system for young mothers has been emphasized, including calls for comprehensive sexual education and community involvement to foster safer environments for children. For instance, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has underscored the necessity of a collaborative approach in combating the ramifications of teenage pregnancies, such as establishing supportive systems for education, counseling, and family adoption arrangements.
These issues are deeply rooted in social behavior changes propelled by technology and a decline in family unity, as conveyed by Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa. The erosion of traditional values and lack of parental monitoring in today’s digital age has exacerbated the challenges faced by young individuals.
The broader societal dialogue has also included inputs from religious and community leaders who advocate for compassion and practical support systems for young mothers. The church and other community organizations stress collective responsibility in addressing teenage pregnancy, aiming to dismantle societal stigmas and provide nurturing support to affected young mothers.
The message remains clear: while governmental intervention is crucial, the primary responsibility lies with parents and communities to actively engage and guide their children through informed and compassionate approaches. By recognizing this, there is hope for not only reducing teenage pregnancies but also ensuring that children grow up in environments that embrace their development with love and responsibility. This concerted effort aims to facilitate a future of informed, healthy, and socially aware individuals, underpinning the community’s growth and resilience.