Teen pregnancy crisis: Social Development urges parents to discuss sexual education with children
teenage pregnancy a national crisis.
Image: File
The National Department of Social Development is urging parents to speak openly with their children on sexual matters amid the rise of teenage pregnancies.
The department stated that parents must engage honestly with their children on such matters following the release of statistics that show teenage pregnancy continues to be a serious problem in the country.
In a statement, the department said it has noted the figures released by the Department of Health, which indicate that 1,669 babies were born across public health facilities on the 2026 New Year’s Day.
Of serious concern is the fact that more than 160 teenage girls gave birth on that day, double the number recorded in 2025, when just over 80 teenage mothers were reported. The issue of teenage mothers has also been raised as a serious problem by KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane.
These figures highlight the urgent need to intensify efforts to address persistent social challenges within communities, particularly those affecting children and young people, the department said,
It called on all members of society to play an active role in protecting children by reporting all forms of child abuse.
“Parents and guardians are urged to engage openly and honestly with their children on sexual education and reproductive health. Open communication remains a critical tool in preventing teenage pregnancies, child abuse, and other harmful social behaviours.”
The department stated that it is already running programmes targeting to deal with the issue including holding children’s dialogues in identified hotspot areas to engage directly with children on issues of child abuse and teenage pregnancy.
As part of these interventions, the Department is working closely with traditional leaders and empowering them to develop and implement prevention programmes within their own communities.