The government has been urged to strengthen counselling programmes in schools to curb increasing incidents of deviant behaviour among youths.

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Nakuru County Women Rep Mary Mbugua said the increased incident of bad behaviour among students must be addressed at school level.

She said the challenges posed by urbanisation and changing lifestyles were exerting pressure on young people who engage in illicit habits that slowly ruin their future.

Mbugua who spoke at Molo Secondary School said, “The government should introduce serious counselling programmes in schools to mould the character of pupils and students at formative stages. Right attitude and positive values can only be instilled on children when they are young.”

She added that children should also be sensitised on the dangers of engaging in criminal activities.

Mbugua said religious and non- governmental organisations have been pressing the government to address the issue of drug abuse amongst the youths.

“Alcoholism and drug abuse are some of the factors driving youths into crime. This is a problem that need to be addressed in order to create a stable society,” added Mbugua.

She said in the slums and rural areas, numerous cases of young people who engage in crime due to drug abuse have been reported calling on adults’ members of the community to coach youths on how to abstain from drugs.

“It is shameful for an energetic young man to steal house items from friends and relative in order to sell and buy drugs. The society must stand up and stop drugs and illicit brews,” she said.