- Urge stronger parent-child relationships
The Police have issued a public awareness statement warning of a rise in teenage pregnancies and urging stronger family and community involvement to protect children.
The statement read that one of the major sociological factors contributing to teenage pregnancies is the gradual weakening of emotional bonds within families. It was therefore urged that parents and guardians pay closer attention to maintaining supportive and trusting relationships with their children.
The Police Media Division also noted that due to increasingly busy lifestyles, some parents are unable to spend enough time understanding their daughters’ daily lives, interests, emotional needs, and personal struggles. "Complaints received at stations suggest that some young girls seek affection, understanding, and emotional support from outsiders when they feel neglected at home." It was warned that teenage pregnancies could lead to serious long-term consequences, including disruption to education, loss of childhood experiences, and damage to future aspirations. Police also noted that many girls increasingly turn to mobile phones and social media for emotional support when communication within families weakens.
The statement urged parents to create an environment where daughters feel safe discussing inappropriate behaviour, threats, or personal difficulties. Parents were also advised to provide unconditional emotional support, monitor social media interactions carefully, and remain alert to sudden behavioural changes, secrecy, excessive internet use, or declining interest in education.
Children were meanwhile advised to use social media responsibly, avoid trusting strangers online, and refrain from sharing personal information, photographs, or videos with unknown individuals. Police further urged children facing threats, fear, or abuse to immediately inform parents, teachers, principals, or another trusted adult rather than remaining silent.
The public was requested to contact the nearest police station or emergency hotlines including 119, 118, 109, or 107 in cases involving abuse or exploitation.