As primary and secondary schools across the country have been closed — and now that students will be at home for several weeks, the need for both parents and guardians to ensure the safety of children has never been more urgent. The long holiday calls for parents, guardians and other caregivers to exercise vigilance by monitoring the activities the children engage in and guiding them appropriately.
Children often have increased access to media and technology, which can lead to various distractions. These distractions, if not addressed, can lead to multiple addictions such as bad peer influence, pornography, and social comparison, to mention a few. Education is a sanctuary for personal growth and development. Replacing screens with books or other key educational materials is crucial to helping students not only meet their academic needs but also inspire positive growth in them.
Sexual abuse and female genital mutilation (FGM) among minors are offences. These issues usually call for multifaceted approaches that combine robust security measures with heightened support, not only from parents or guardians but also from everyone. The government must play a crucial role in ensuring that swift, lawful actions are taken against those who conduct FGM practices against students or anyone, as this is unlawful. Sexual education on what learners should avoid and report should be offered to students to ensure they understand the essential practices to follow when facing these challenges.
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Additionally, drug and substance abuse are issues which is prevalent, especially among the youth. Several policies should be implemented to address this issue effectively. Stringent measures should be enforced to tackle this menace. According to the National Council for Population and Development, half of the drug abusers in Kenya are aged between 10 and 19 years, with over 60 per cent residing in urban areas and 21 per cent in rural areas. Drug and substance abuse in Kenya is becoming a major social and public health problem due to its far-reaching impacts on the individuals, families and communities. Continuous monitoring by government boards, such as the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse( NACADA), among other bodies, is key to ensuring standards and control of drug and substance abuse.
There is a need for immediate government intervention to restore the sense of safety and security within the educational ecosystem. Increased cases of human trafficking targeting pupils, learners and students across the country should be everyone’s concern. Reports and incidents on these heinous matters have shocked learners, highlighting their vulnerability. Students who should be swamped in their books and future, now find themselves constantly afraid and fearing for their well-being. Suspicious activities should be reported to the police and relevant governing authorities so that action can be initiated.
Moreover, intensive training for all parents, guardians, counsellors, and teachers by the government to instil relevant skills to address problems faced by students is key to ensuring the well-being of all students. The establishment and strengthening of promotive, preventive, treatment, and rehabilitation services are essential to ensuring the security of learners. Guiding and counselling all students in their activities will directly help them identify their areas of weakness and improve accordingly.
In conclusion, efforts to prevent abuse must begin early —educating both the youth and their parents about the potential dangers of any form of abuse. We should all advocate for awareness and ensure that effective campaigns aimed at bringing about change for all students are conducted. It is time for decisive action to reclaim the sanctity of all learners, ensuring that all students can learn, grow, and thrive in a favourable and nurturing environment.
By Joyblessed Munyendo
Media student, Rongo University, Migori
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