The Department of Social Development has officially launched a program which aims to minimise risky sexual behaviour, substance abuse and bullying among children between the ages of 10 and 14. The programme called ChommY, comes after an assessment of the department’s previous programme, "You Only Live Once", which cautions teenagers and young adults about the dangers of risky sexual behaviour.

EXPLORERS

The department identified hostels as a starting point where impoverished children are often lured by older men to engage in sexual intercourse in exchange for money or food. The department’s spokesperson Lumka Oliphant said from the age of 10, children become curious and want to explore different things. She said it is very crucial to shape them from this age because they can tell right from wrong and at times fully understand the consequences of their actions.

TEENAGE PREGNANCY RIFE

Oliphant said teenage pregnancy is on the rise and this is a tough battle to win. She said teenagers don’t have proper guidance or ignore the necessary precautions to avoid getting pregnant. Therefore in 2021 alone Stats SA revealed that over 45 000 babies that were born that year were a result of teenage mothers. "We have a long way to go but this new programme gives children the opportunity to develop a personal plan for their lives. In this journey, we emphasise the importance of support from parents and communities to enable young people to make informed decisions. It truly takes a village to raise children and we can all take part in shaping the lives of our future leaders," said Oliphant.