Nothing nuh cute ‘bout teenage pregnancy

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Teenage pregnancy, once looked upon as a mistake to be rectified, is now being glorified by many young girls as an achievement. It is disheartening to see how what was once a reason to make things right, is now seen as a source of honour and pride for some young women.

In the past, when a teenage girl became pregnant, it usually meant dropping out of school to take care of the child. However, with advancements in government policies, young mothers are now able to return to school and continue their education.

Unfortunately, teenage mothers are choosing to forgo this opportunity and, instead, are willingly dropping out of school.

Further, these young mothers often continue to have more children, further exacerbating the situation. Instead of learning from their mistakes and making better choices for themselves and their children, they continue down a path that ultimately leads to more hardships and struggles.

Social media has become a medium for these young mothers to showcase their lives and ask for donations for their children. However, instead of using these platforms to also seek guidance and support, they often reject any advice or corrections that come their way. They justify their lifestyle choices and continue to portray themselves as victims of circumstance, rather than taking responsibility for their actions.

These young parents are often ill-equipped to handle the responsibilities of parenthood, as they themselves are still children. Their lack of knowledge about parenting and refusal to seek advice or guidance from others often leads to the raising of undisciplined children who struggle to navigate the world around them.

While children are indeed a blessing, it is essential to consider the long-term implications of bringing a child into the world when one is not adequately prepared to care for them. Flaunting them on social media with terms like ‘mini me’ and ‘my cocomelon’ may seem endearing, but it does not guarantee them a bright future. It is crucial to acknowledge the challenges that come with being a young parent and work towards having a stable and secure environment before having a child.

There are success stories of teenage mothers who have gone on to achieve great things, such as owning a business, graduating from universities, and becoming advocates for others in similar situations. The opportunities are there for teenage mothers who are willing to put in the work towards a better future for themselves and their children.

Teenage mothers should not be judged or ostracised, but, instead, encouraged and supported in their journey towards achieving their goals.

Teenage pregnancy is not cute or an aesthetic, it is not an achievement; it is damage that needs to be mended.

VENEKA NELSON