Our children are exposed to many things their peers of yesteryear were not exposed to.

The world has changed, and children today need a special type of upbringing if we hope to secure a brighter future for them.

Sex education has been a big debate between the old-school parenting mentality and the new way of doing things.

The old-school way sees sex talk with children as taboo. They think when you talk to your children about sex, it is like giving them permission to go and experiment.

But then, our children are already exposed because their peers and dirty adults are bringing up those topics the wrong way.

Girls are lured with material things by older men. Boys are being turned into Ben 10s by older women.

Those who care must teach children about sex; tell them of the changes their bodies will go through and what to do when they encounter situations of a sexual nature.

Given the current scourges of HIV/Aids, alcohol and drug abuse, communities must come together to guide the young ones.

Religious leaders also need to come on board, and speak about these issues to their young congregants.

Children are our future; we need to support them all the way until they can take care of themselves.

Godfrey Malibe

Acornhoek