The Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, Naba Salifu Atamale Lemyaarum, has raised concerns about the increasing rate of teenage pregnancy, attributing the trend partly to young people’s exposure to sexual content on television and social media.

According to the traditional leader, children today have unprecedented access to digital and broadcast content, some of which he considers inappropriate for their age.

Speaking on Bolga FM’s Timaaga Sanga programme, Naba Salifu Atamale Lemyaarum said the content young people consume can influence their attitudes and behaviour, potentially exposing them to sexual activities at an early age.

“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,” he said.

The Paramount Chief also expressed concern over what he described as a decline in the role of parents, teachers and other community members in correcting inappropriate behaviour among children.

He argued that some parents and teachers have become reluctant to discipline children because of concerns surrounding their rights.

“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,” Naba Salifu Atamale Lemyaarum stated.

Reflecting on his upbringing, the chief said the responsibility of raising and guiding children was previously considered a collective duty within communities.

He recalled that community members could intervene when a child misbehaved, a practice he believes helped instil discipline and responsibility among young people.

“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.

Naba Salifu Atamale Lemyaarum called for stronger collaboration among parents, teachers, traditional authorities and community members to provide guidance, mentorship and supervision for young people.

He, however, stressed the need for discipline to be administered lawfully and responsibly, while respecting the rights and dignity of children.