By Sharon Situate
The long holiday season has arrived, and with it, a time of excitement and freedom for schoolchildren. It’s a time when they can finally put aside their textbooks and relax. However, it’s also a time that poses some significant challenges, especially when it comes to their sexual health. In an age when poor parenting and busy schedules are affecting children’s choices, it’s essential to recognise the important role CSE plays in safeguarding their children’s health.
As the holiday season kicks in, children find themselves with ample free time, often unsupervised. Without proper guidance and supervision, children may engage in risky behaviours like early sexual experimentation, substance abuse, and even experience sexual exploitation. One of the most pressing concerns is the increase in teenage pregnancies, HIV infections, and the spread of STIs among adolescents. In Kenya, teenage pregnancy rates stand at 18% indicating that one in every 5 girls is pregnant. According to Ministry of Health, Kenya recorded a total of 110,821 pregnancies among adolescents aged 10 to 19 between January to May 2023. Kenya Health Information Systems (KHIS) data shows that 6,110 pregnancies were among adolescents aged between 10 to 14 years while another 104,711 were between of 15 and 19.
Fifteen percent of women age 15–19 have ever been pregnant and 12% have had a live birth, 1% have had a pregnancy loss, and 3% are currently pregnant. The percentage of women age 15–19 who have ever been pregnant increases with age, from 3% among those age 15 to 31% among those age 19 most school going girls lie in this age range. Additionally,About 4 in 10 women age 15–19 who have no education have ever been pregnant, as compared with only 5% of women who have more than secondary education which calls for urgent action in introducing comprehensive sexuality education in schools so that even on holiday the information can help them make informed choices about their health. As children find themselves with idle time and limited parental guidance, they may explore their sexuality with little knowledge about the potential consequences.
Poor parenting practices are very common, with the increase in economic hardship, most parents and guardians are engrossed in their work and struggle to make ends meet hence leave their children in the care of teachers in School or house managers. In many instances, parents are unaware of the daily challenges their children face, as they rarely spend time at home. Furthermore, the lack of open communication with parents has a significant impact on their mental health. When children face challenges or confusion about their sexual health, they should ideally turn to their parents for support. However, as parents are often absent or busy, children are left grappling with their problems in solitude.
Adolescents and young people need accurate, timely and health information as they experience body changes. At this age they are curious, worried, excited, most have questions about the changes that they need answers, the absence of open dialogue with parents, teachers or someone trustworthy however, makes it challenging to access this knowledge. This absence of such information can lead toseeking information elsewhere probably from friends or internet and are likely to be misinformed. this could drive them to risky sexual behaviours, ultimately jeopardizing their health and future.
It is critical for parents to recognize their vital role in nurturing their children’s mental, sexual and reproductive health. Open communication, active engagement, and a safe space for children to express their concerns and questions are crucial components of responsible parenting. Instead of parents scolding children when they come to seek guidance parents ought to listen with compassion and advise accordingly.
Sharon Sitati, Comms intern at CSA Kenya
