Parents across the country have been urged to be extra careful with their children during this Christmas holiday season for their safety and well-being.
Educationists maintain that school-going children are the most vulnerable to drug peddlers who exploit them in illegal deals and even make them their sex targets.
Addressing a group of Form Four leavers at Zetech University Main Campus in Ruiru, Kiambu County, the dons led by Veronica Kamau and Dr. Henry Kiogora urged parents to take charge of their children and protect them from anti-social vices and immoralities.
“Parents should not neglect their parental duties, especially during this long holiday that’s occasioned by festivities. Giving children proper advice and moral support, as well as talking to them whenever they seem to be bothered with problems, should be every parent’s top priority. We do not want to witness cases of children indulging in anti-social vices like drugs, alcoholism, or running away from home,” Kiogora said.
The Business and Economics don, who noted that teenage pregnancies were becoming prevalent in the country, challenged parents to protect their girls from being preyed upon during the Christmas holiday.
He told parents to have open communication and create time for their teenage children as a protective measure so that the kids can confide in them about their issues.
“Developing a strong relationship between child and parent is critical. If you don’t have time for your adolescent teens, they will seek comfort from other adults who might trick them and lead them into parenthood,” Kiogora said.
Veronica Kamau called on society to take responsibility for caring for children. “The society too has a role to play to ensure that children are safe and in the right place at all times,” she said.
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She also called on the police to be on high alert and beef up patrols in all corners of the region, especially around social joints like nightclubs. She said that those who are found hosting school children in their joints should be apprehended and charged in a court of law.
“Children who indulge in drugs and alcohol become potential targets of criminals who defile or rape them. We must eliminate these habits for the safety of our children. Therefore, anyone selling drugs or alcohol to school children must surely feel the wrath of the law,” she said.
By Kamau Njoroge.
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