Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
AS the festive season reaches the crescendo, growing concerns surround the increased exposure of young people to drug use and sexual abuse due to relaxed parental guidance, leading to teenagers indulging in dangerous experiments that have lifelong consequences.
While the holidays are meant to be a time for joy and celebration, they have become a period of vulnerability for many youths, particularly those lacking supervision or meaningful activities. Community leaders and child rights activists have raised alarms over a surge in parties, substance abuse and risky behaviour among teenagers.
With schools closed and many parents at work or travelling, some youths fall into peer pressure, leading to experimentation with drugs such as crystal meth (mutoriro), marijuana, alcohol and others.
Reports have also indicated that some young girls are being lured into transactional sex or abusive relationships in exchange for money, gifts or entertainment during the holiday.
These situations often result in unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and long-term trauma that jeopardise their future.
Stakeholders are calling for intensified awareness campaigns targeting both youths and parents, as well as increased community vigilance.
Youth centres, churches and development partners have also been urged to organise safe, constructive holiday activities to engage young people meaningfully.
Officer Commanding Zimbabwe Republic Police Manicaland, Commissioner Charles Nhete has urged parents, guardians, and communities to be vigilant and protect children from abuse during the festive season.
He highlighted the importance of monitoring what kids watch on social media, as it influences their decisions.
The police are also cracking down on illegal activities, warning against underage drinking and substance abuse, and encouraging parents to report suspicious cases and ensure their children’s safety
“As police, we continue to engage the general public and extend our plea that we join hands to fight against child sexual abuse. A girl child should not entertain any male person, regardless of relationship. Do not leave girls under the custody or care of male persons. Even the father or any close relative of the child may end up abusing her. Monitor your children when they are playing, as they may fall victim to sexual harassment at their playgrounds. Do not engage in sexual activities in the presence of your children, as this may influence their sexual behaviour.
“Parents should try by all means not to share the same bedroom with children. Do not separate rooms with curtains, cardboard boxes or any transparent materials when you are staying with children, as they might end up experimenting with sexual activities. Young girls should avoid walking in bushy areas alone; they should seek the company of other females when going to fetch firewood, water or even when going to school. Do not expose children to potential abusers through traditional and cultural practices such as chiramu. Have control over what your children are exposed to on social media and television channels,” he said. Commissioner Nhete warned members of the public against shielding perpetrators who abuse girls and marry underage girls, and encouraged them to report to the police.
“Do not conceal cases of child sexual abuse. Expose the perpetrators and make sure they are brought to book and face the consequences of their actions. Also, make sure that the child is taken to hospital within 72 hours for examinations. Do not marry young girls and also do not have sexual intercourse with children under the age of 18 years. We encourage the community to report all cases to the police so that we work together and deal with criminals. We all wish to live in a crime-free environment,” he said.
Visionary Cadre Association of Zimbabwe secretary general, Mr Innocent Ngenga said the festive season should not become a trap for the country’s future generation.
He added that proactive measures, especially by parents, collective responsibility and strong community involvement, can curb the tide of drug and sexual abuse among youths.
“The festive season is associated with excitement and over-excitement among the youths, and the general belief that more excitement is experienced after intoxication. Youths usually take drugs in search of the imaginary excitement. Our message to the youths is that the festive season is just a season and a time for families to meet and celebrate. It is a season that lasts for a very short period. There is more to life than drugs. Drugs and over-intoxication are usually associated with poor decision-making, which will end up causing a lot of problems, such as loss of lives, injuries and infections of diseases, among other troubles.
“We are imploring the youths that, as they are enjoying the festive season, they need to enjoy responsibly. A good parent is the best friend to his/her children. Be free and open with your children and understand their needs and wants; this will enable you to know what they are up to.
Always be proactive and give them guidance, and tell your children that taking drugs does not bring any excitement. Young people must not be given too much freedom, and parents must always know the whereabouts of their children,” said Mr Ngenga.
