Tell young men their role in teen pregnancy

May 17, 2006

Trends today keep changing. The family trend is one that has left many whispering and wondering where we are heading. Teen mothers are not uncommon; these are children bringing up children. It is sad when these mothers and their babies have no father figures in their lives. It is a challenge we have

By Medrine Nabalema
Trends today keep changing. The family trend is one that has left many whispering and wondering where we are heading. Teen mothers are not uncommon; these are children bringing up children. It is sad when these mothers and their babies have no father figures in their lives. It is a challenge we have to face today and deal with to help future generations.

As several nations promoted the prevention of teen pregnancy on May 3, Uganda also needs to do something. We too have teen mothers and potential teen mothers in our midst. On this day several issues were highlighted, which included sex’s consequences and the role of boys and young men in teen pregnancy.

Traditionally girls have been the major focus of the prevention of teen pregnancies. However, the importance of targeting young boys and young men is increasingly apparent to researchers, practitioners, parents and others who work with youth.

Young boys and young men attribute to the increase in teen pregnancy for several reasons. As many try out their capability of becoming men, there are consequences and teen pregnancy is one of them.

These boys and men need to know that sex has consequences, which are not the best, given their age and status. It has been noted that parents are more likely to discuss sex with their daughters than with their sons, thus only half the work is done.

This is a call to all parents, teachers, social workers and all who work with youth to redeem our young men by having some quality time with them to discuss the consequences of sex and their role in teen pregnancy. Bravo to all those whose sons can proudly say their parents have discussed these things with them. The same goes for all who interact with these young boys and men.

It is never too late. The African child is our responsibility. The girl child needs all the support she can get. When the boy child is well informed, he too will be able to protect his sister. Prevent teen pregnancies by getting young men and boys well informed about sex.

We shall save the lives of our future mothers and save children from parenting children. You can save a young girl today by having that young boy at home waiting for the young girl to become a woman.

Sex can wait but your future cannot. Uganda needs more responsible parents, not teen parents. Prevent teen
pregnancy.

The writer is a children’s worker in Kayunga District

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