Leadership Nigeria: Teenagers Urged To Use The Internet Wisely

By - Leadership (Nigeria) 

While the internet makes it possible for people around the globe to have knowledge about almost anything, medical experts have urged teenagers to use the internet wisely as it can also give false information. During the maiden edition of the Teen Health Conference organized by MRI Medic Consulting Limited, a health consulting outfit made up of a team of doctors, teenagers were lectured on how to make the best use of the internet.

According to the convener, Dr Ronald Ikpe, teenagers are exposed to lots of information but do not know how to pick the good ones from the bad ones.

Ikpe said, “We see cases of teenage pregnancy, teenage abortion, teenage HIV/AIDS and drug abuse. Most of the teenagers testified to the fact that they got the knowledge to practice these things from the internet.

“It got a bit worrisome for us, hence the reason we have put heads together to catch these teenagers young, guide them properly because with this age of internet and social media, everybody is online. We hope with this, we can actually build a healthier teenage generation and curb the incidence of teenage pregnancies, abortion and deaths.”

According to the convener, Dr Ronald Ikpe, teenagers are exposed to lots of information but do not know how to pick the good ones from the bad ones. Ikpe said,

“We see cases of teenage pregnancy, teenage abortion, teenage HIV/AIDS and drug abuse. Most of the teenagers testified to the fact that they got the knowledge to practice these things from the internet. “It got a bit worrisome for us, hence the reason we have put heads together to catch these teenagers young, guide them properly because with this age of internet and social media, everybody is online. We hope with this, we can actually build a healthier teenage generation and curb the incidence of teenage pregnancies, abortion and deaths.”

Dr. Abimbola Adenugu who took the attendees through sex education highlighted the changes that occur during puberty in both boys and girls, stating that these changes are perfectly normal. Speaking on the menace of sexual abuse, Adenuga urged parents to always communicate with their children and enlighten them more on their body parts.

Adenuga said, “As a doctor, I usually get cases of sexual abuse in the hospital and initially, I was always very sentimental and ensured that the propitiator are apprehended and taken to the police station.

She said curbing the incidence of sexual abuse requires everybody’s efforts. She said, “As a doctor, when I go for teenage talks in secondary schools, I get lots of questions from teenagers who have been sexually abused that what happens to them afterwards and what can they do. Some have even try to commit suicide. It is that bad.”

“These things are happening and I believe parents have a lot of work to do with regards to this sexual abuse. Communication is the key. Parents should start sex education as early as possible. It would help a child to know the things to avoid and to always run to them if certain things are going wrong.”

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