The Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, Naba Salifu Atamale Lemyaarum, has expressed concern about teenage pregnancy, arguing that increased exposure of children to sexual content on television and social media is influencing their behaviour.
Speaking on Bolga FM’s Timaaga Sanga programme, the chief said young people now have easier access to content he considers inappropriate for their age, which he believes is contributing to teenage pregnancies in communities.
“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,” Naba Salifu Atamale Lemyaarum said.
The Paramount Chief also raised concerns about what he described as a decline in the involvement of parents, teachers and other community members in correcting inappropriate behaviour among children.
He argued that concerns about children’s rights have made some parents and teachers reluctant to discipline young people.
“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 contrasted the situation with his experience growing up, when he said responsibility for guiding children extended beyond their immediate families.
“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.
He called for greater collaboration among parents, teachers, traditional leaders and communities to guide and mentor young people while ensuring that discipline is carried out lawfully and responsibly.
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