This archive report was first published on 17 September 2019.
As I watched the recent viral video of a teenager using profanity, I couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu. It's not the first time we've seen a young person behave in such a manner, and it's unlikely to be the last.
But what's truly alarming is the fact that this behavior is not just a product of the child's environment, but also of the parents who are supposed to be guiding them.
According to a recent report, kids as young as nine are having sex, watching horror movies, and accessing pornographic sites. They're also participating in WhatsApp groups where nude pictures are shared and coded language is used for communication.
And who's facilitating this behavior? Their parents, of course.
With the rise of smartphones and social media, it's easier than ever for kids to access explicit content and engage in online activities that are not suitable for their age. But rather than taking responsibility for their children's actions, many parents are instead blaming the kids for being 'spoilt' or 'influenced by their peers'.
But the truth is, kids are not born with a natural inclination towards bad behavior. They learn it from their parents, and it's up to us as adults to set a good example and provide guidance.
So, what can we do to change this trend? For starters, we need to go back to old-fashioned parenting. We need to be more involved in our children's lives, to monitor their online activities, and to set clear boundaries and expectations.
We also need to send our children back to Sunday School and Holiday Bible Studies, where they can learn about values and morals. And we need to let them know that 'No' is a complete sentence.
It's time for us to take responsibility for our children's actions and to be the parents we should be. Only then can we hope to raise a generation of kids who are kind, respectful, and responsible.
