Could STI and abortion figures get better if African parents got comfortable talking sex?
By Shanta Sih
Health experts on the continent have said that the number of young people suffering from sexually transmitted infection (STIs) is on the rise with others positing that African parents could make it better by getting more involved in the education process.
“Timely sex education is the right of every growing teen especially in a time like this when every child has access to sexual content online. Why do most parents bat an eyelid when the topic of sex surfaces infront of teenagers? With the advent of social media and peer pressure from school, African parents have failed to see that their children may get intrigued to learn and know more about what they see by demonstrating and falling into wrong hands,” Dr Kamna Chibber, a clinical psychologist explains.
“Sexual exploration is a normal phase towards understanding the human body. Sex education teaches children about their body and even makes them feel comfortable about themselves. Addressing sex with your child is also an important aspect of establishing open interaction with them” The Circular 2021
Most teachers are now recommending that parents get involved in the sex education process although most of these parents think sex eduction is shameful and immoral.
”Dear African parents, sex education is not a shameful thing. Gone are those days when our mothers used to be gentle and timid. This century’s children are smarter and curious. Social media and android phones should not teach our kids before us. Teens between 15-17 and even younger ones are caught everyday watching pornographic scenes in school and indulging in sexual relationships with their peers,” Doctor Besong a staff at delegation of public health in Buea advises.
Young boys and girls of recent were caught during school hours smoking, drinking and having group sex in Douala last November 14. Cameroon has had similar cases over the years and months reported by several media houses.
“Mostly in Cameroon, watching a movie as a family is a sweet way of bonding together. Whenever there is an episode where sex is involved, most often the environment is quiet and the parents feel uncomfortable letting their kids watch that. They often switch off the tv or change channels. How has that helped the kids? They will get even more curious! Teach them about sex, their body, contraceptives and make them comfortable discussing that with you.They go out there you have no idea who they meet and what they do. Protect them by giving them the knowledge first. I recall my little niece of 13 asking me about her menstrual cycle and when safe days for sex are. I was shocked. I immediately had to teach her, “ Takoh Dennis, a medical personnel at the Buea Solidarity Clinic narrates.
Teaching children about sex is on eof the major ways which can be used to keep them in control of their reproductive health and sexual hygiene and thus reduces the risks of STIs and even abortions.
