FLEE FROM SEX
NGO urges teens to abstain
Founder of Action on Behavioural Change Society, Faith Guga says teenagers are involved in sexual acts hence the high cases of teenage pregnancy.
She says the filming of explicit acts of pornography that at times get leaked and widely circulated across online platforms is indication of the extent of exploration teenagers do when it comes to sex. In an interview with The Midweek Sun, Guga expressed worry that it seems no one guides the young ones, as adults also participate. According to Guga, they have discovered that some explicit sex escapades take place between older women and their so called Ben10s, meaning younger men or boys, while older men engage sexually with much younger women and girls who often refer to them as sugar daddies and blessers. She noted that some of the teenagers go to bars and clubs where most older men and women spot them. She said what is more worrying is that in most cases, the teens will be happy to be bought expensive alcohol and showered with gifts and money in exchange for sexual favours. “Having interacted and observed some teenagers, some are influenced by the internet or television as they can access anything even porn which they will want to experiment with first hand. For some, it is purely peer pressure as
they will want to be seen to be cool or want to fit in. In some cases, poverty drives such teens to throw themselves at elder men or women to help support their families,” Guga said. Guga highlighted that dysfunctional families contribute to teenagers performing sex acts because there is no one to guide them, adding that most parents do not realise that child negligence is not only physical care but also not being able to know and understand their child by spending time with them as it will help them notice change in character and behaviour. She added that some parents bring different sexual partners home where their children are exposed to such explicit acts that they later take as normal. While the affected children may not say anything, these acts negatively affect them emotionally and they may start changing their behaviour. Some end up abusing alcohol and substances including sex. In worst case
scenarios, some men, gradually make advances on their partners’ teenage children. Guga urged parents to take time to know, listen and understand their children, and know the type of circle they keep. “Parents need to be inquisitive about what their children have, especially if they did not buy it,” she said, further cautioning that if children go for sleep overs both parents need to be involved in the planning and ensure the safety of the children. She encouraged teenagers to abstain from sexual acts as it is most likely that they get pregnant or infected by HIV/AIDS or STIs and it will change their lives forever. She said they should rather try to enjoy their childhood, seek counselling for anything that disturbs them, and speak out when sexually abused no matter who the abuser is.