The question, “What separates men from the boys?” usually rings a bell. It is a connotation about an issue on male masculinity. In general, it is giving an emphasized boost as to who among the boys really deserve to earn the title in the league of manhood.
As for the ladies, the wall divides when a female enters into the prenatal state of carrying life in their womb. This will include the attention, love, and care of the normal nine month ordeal till it is time for the baby to be given birth; single or not, comes motherhood.
At present, the growing concern on high school students getting into early pregnancy is heading to an alarming rate. As a social concern, we may ask, “Is it a natural thing to happen or merely an outlay of underlying circumstances?”
For young girls, the dawning of the fertility stage usually comes during the age of puberty. A female ranging from age 11 to 14 is normally considered normal to reproduction of life. Psychologically, it can also be regarded as the period of curiosity and new discoveries depending on the influence of the environment in one’s social life. Unfortunately, those with adventurous mindset are commonly inclined to go beyond the limits to the point of unwanted pregnancy.
Being ready or not is not the rallying point behind such occurrences. Rather, it is how everyone will look into the underlying causes which make up for the unwanted pregnancies of the youth in the millennial era. Needless to say, the issue can be better addressed with a collective effort of the society in general. In terms of orientation, the inculcation of social responsibility becomes a must. This is the primordial reason why reproductive study has been integrated to the education curriculum even in the past years of learning.
No one can deny that the adolescent age of an individual is a priceless moment in one’s life. The quest for self-identity is a common denominator to be gained in perspective. Delicate as it is, the ability to make good discernments and decisions are becoming more dependent on the guidance of the society as a whole.
Regardless of gender, the way on how the youth perceives their environment and the various stimuli therein grossly affects their relationship towards others, in particular their peers.
The family being the basic unit of the society is initially responsible with whatever demeanor an individual projects outside of their domicile, be it broken or whole. In like manner, it is also a social responsibility of the educational institution as second home to learners to provide them with the proper guidance and comprehensive counselling. Having been equipped and taught with both, the exposure of an individual to external influences will make them socially responsible themselves.
The implementation of early intervention in the family and school is a formidable line of action which can be coordinated with other concerned government agencies like the Social Welfare Administration, Department of Health and other NGOs.
With these, responsible social formation leading to discerning social behaviors and attitudes in our students can be better defined. Procreation is a natural law of life with no arguments about it; but unwanted pregnancy among high school students has to be given priority attention in dawning of a socially responsible society.
By: IMELDA P. BUENSUCESO | Teacher III | Bataan National High School | Balang City, Bataan
