The rate at which underage children are abused daily should be the concern of everyone in society. Children are being molested and abused sexually and physically. Most victims of this menace are vulnerable.
The importance of shielding teenagers against being a victim of an immoral act of some unscrupulous elements in our environment can not be overemphasized. Children are the future leaders so we cannot destroy them psychologically or otherwise.
In a society where the occupants are not enlightened about the dangers of abusing teenagers, they see this anomaly as a way of life. Often children under the age of 18 are prematurely introduced into activities that are dangerous to their well-being.
We see situations where a teenage girl is sexually abused and this could leave a scar that will hunt the girl throughout her life on Earth. When a girl is introduced to sex at an early stage of her life, two things are involved, either will become a sex slave which might eventually generate into her becoming a harlot or she will live the rest of her life in fear.
On the other hand, a male child can be molested sexually as well. Some are introduced into gay activities at a very young age. While many others become drug addicts.
Besides, some are exposed to diseases and infections that are incurable. While some grew up with resentment and a bully.
This trend has become unruly because of the negligence of the caregivers to these young ones. The ones who are supposed to look after these children are not living up to expectations while some are the ones who ended up abusing these children.
Some of the popular and common cases of child abuse includes,
- Early marriage
- Rape
- Exposing minors to illicit activities like sex, drugs, pornography, etc
- Street trading
- Molesting a child through thorough or excessive beatings/flogging in the name of discipline. As often found in some parts of the world.
It is no doubt that creating the consciousness of this obscene act leaves a scar in the life of children till they die.
Most of this act may not be injurious to the adult. This is because an adult has the mental capacity to make a choice as well as well-developed self-discipline.
In our environment, we see a lot of people who are addicted to a certain lifestyle that appears to be a deviation from the norms of society and as a result, end up destroying themselves and their actions affect the lives of others.
These victims to an extent should have been great personalities and builders of the world but because of the bad influence, they now turn out to be nuisances to society.
It is not too late to put this challenge to control. This ill affect all and sundry and as such, all hands must be on deck to put this to an end.
- Parents and caregivers should ensure that they monitor the activities of their children, daily.
- Parents and caregivers should not take for granted any suspicious behavior of the children. Any changes in lifestyles should be checked.
- Most abuses in children are carried out by close relatives, therefore, parents should be wary about the closeness of their children to their uncles and aunts.
- Parents should be mindful of their children's clique of friends and peers. This group plays a powerful role in your children often a child may take whatever they tell him to what the parents say.
- Parents should ensure that they instilled strong moral values and ethics in their children. These morals will help them to always stand against all pressures from friends and family.
- The role of the government, in this case, is very crucial. The government should ensure that they punished any individual found guilty of child abuse and molestation.
Let's stand and secure the future of our children. Let's eschew things that are inimical to the growth and development of our children. Remember, the children are the leaders of tomorrow.
However, we can not end this discourse without pointing out the reality of those who have been a victim of childhood abuse. The fact is don't let anyone define you by what happened in the past. Put yourself together, move on with life, and have a positive mindset. You will definitely become what you wish for in life.
Thanks and have a blessed day.