The phenomenon of teenage pregnancy, defined as pregnancy occurring in girls between the ages of thirteen (13) and nineteen (19), has sparked numerous debates regarding its root causes. While various factors, including peer pressure, media influence, and socio-economic status, are often discussed, this article argues that parental actions or inactions should be acknowledged as key driving forces. In the wake of modernisation, many parents seem to prioritise their ambitions and interests over their children’s welfare. Consequently, this shift in priorities can contribute significantly to the rising incidence of teenage pregnancies.
To begin with, a primary driver of teenage pregnancy may be the failure of some parents to provide for their children’s basic needs. In situations where young girls are deprived of food, clothing, educational materials, or emotional security, they could become vulnerable to external influences. Indeed, peer pressure and the lure of financial support through transactional relationships often fill the void left by inattentive parenting. As a result, some girls might be lured into sexual relationships in exchange for money or material benefits, which can ultimately lead to unplanned pregnancies.
Moreover, beyond material neglect, many parents fail to establish meaningful relationships with their children. Specifically, there is often a lack of open communication between parents and daughters, especially regarding sensitive topics such as relationships, sexuality, and mental health. In many cases, girls experiencing psychological or emotional challenges may find it easier to confide in friends than in their parents. Unfortunately, peers might suggest dubious or risky solutions, including engaging in sexual relationships as a means of coping or escape. This implies that the absence of parental guidance can contribute to poor decision-making and an increased risk of pregnancy.
In contrast, the belief that girls engage in risky behaviours out of stubbornness or disobedience tends to oversimplify the issue. On the contrary, in many cases, girls become distant because they are raised in overly strict or emotionally cold environments. When parents do not build trust and openness in the home, adolescents are more likely to seek comfort and affirmation elsewhere. Significantly, a nurturing relationship with a parent, especially the mother, can act as a protective factor. Without such support, girls may fall prey to exploitative relationships that could result in early pregnancies.
Another point worth noting is the failure of some parents to instill discipline. A permissive parenting style characterised by the absence of boundaries, correction, or consequences may embolden adolescents to behave recklessly. When this occurs, children might interpret their parents’ silence as indifference, leading them to take greater risks with fewer inhibitions. Thus, the absence of discipline should not be seen as a form of freedom, but rather as a gateway to irresponsibility and potential pregnancy. Parents ought to establish clear boundaries to guide their children’s choices effectively.
Lastly, broken homes or prolonged physical separation between parents can disrupt the social and emotional balance of a girl’s life. In such instances, adolescents may exploit the lack of supervision by seeking validation or companionship outside the home. For example, when a child uses one parent as an excuse to visit friends while the other parent is unaware, the lack of coordination and oversight might facilitate unsupervised and risky interactions. Evidently, stable homes and parental presence could offer essential protective barriers against such vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, the issue of teenage pregnancy cannot be divorced from the larger conversation about parental responsibility. While it is true that teenagers should be taught to make informed choices, the foundational guidance they require must come from their parents. From emotional care to basic provision and moral instruction, parents can play a pivotal role in shaping their daughters’ futures. Ultimately, until families, and especially parents, recognise and embrace their role in this societal concern, efforts to curb teenage pregnancy will continue to yield limited results.
Erica Yawson,
3G. Arts 2 Class Prefect.
Nyankumasi Ahenkro SHS,
P. O. Box 26,
Nyankumasi Ahenkro.
Asin South District, C/R.
