Parents from Mavoko Sub-County should make it a routine having healthy talks with their children on sex and sexuality.
Rebecca Nzuki, the Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health (TICAH), Mavoko branch chairperson says time for parents shying away from discussing sexual matters with their teenage children is long gone.
"Several children from Mavoko Sub-County get into trouble after engaging in risky behaviours such as premature sex due to lack of direction. This can be prevented," she says.
Nzuki who spoke from her office in Athi River Town adds, "We are living in a digital era, the 21st century where if parents fail to discuss such issues with their teenage girls and boys, then it becomes more disastrous."
She argues that the internet and peer pressure were among the biggest threats to children’s reproductive health, growth and development.
Nzuki adds that several children are exposed to sexual activities after watching obscene movies on internet and trying to practice them for experience.
She blamed parents for being reluctant about discussing such important issues with their children thereby leaving them at the mercy of their peers who usually mislead them.
According to Nzuki, discussing sex and sexuality issues with children makes them aware of the issues, how to go about them, handle situations and avoid consequences.
Nzuki said the most vulnerable children are the girls living in slums within and outskirts of busy towns in such as Athi River, Mlolongo, Kinanie and Chyumvi.
She called on the parents among all children caretakers to seriously take up their upbringing and mentorship roles so as to bring up responsible and focused children.