Peter F. Borges
In light of ongoing concerns within the child protection system, Goa is confronting another significant issue that is impacting its adolescent population. There has been a noticeable increase in reported cases of adolescent pregnancies, particularly among individuals aged 16 to 18. Additionally, cases falling under the jurisdiction of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 have raised critical questions. These circumstances warrant a thorough examination of the evolving dynamics of romance, consent and online relationships among the youth. This situation underscores the immediate need for comprehensive strategies capable of addressing the complexities of adolescent relationships, both in-person and online. The consequences extend beyond the immediate concerns, requiring a prompt and effective response to safeguard the well-being and future prospects of the young individuals involved. One particularly concerning aspect is the discovery of pregnancies in advanced stages, often concealed from parents and educators. It is imperative to bring these concealed dangers to light and implement targeted interventions that cater to the specific needs of adolescents facing such situations, including those influenced by social media, dating and online relationships.
Factors contributing to adolescent pregnancies: 1) Romantic Relationships: Adolescents, in their journey of self-discovery and interpersonal exploration, are navigating the intricate landscape of romantic relationships. Traditionally considered essential for social and emotional development, these relationships have evolved beyond conventional boundaries, extending seamlessly into the digital realm. The advent of social media, online forums and virtual spaces has fundamentally altered the dynamics of adolescent romantic interactions.
Digital platforms have become platforms for expressions of affection, communication and connection formation. However, this shift introduces complexities to understanding contraception and reproductive health. The virtual nature of these relationships poses unique challenges, including the impact of online communication on emotional well-being, the influence of digital peer pressure, and the blurred lines between private and public aspects of personal life.
Adolescents navigating digital-age romantic relationships grapple with issues such as responsible technology use, setting boundaries in online interactions and understanding the potential consequences of their actions on reproductive health. The integration of technology into romance necessitates a modernised approach to sex education, addressing the intricacies of both physical and digital aspects of relationships. This ensures that adolescents possess the knowledge and skills to make informed and responsible decisions regarding their reproductive health. 2) Consent and Communication: The complex landscape of adolescent relationships presents challenges related to consent and communication. Adolescents often encounter blurred lines between clear consent and subtle coercion when navigating romantic and intimate connections, particularly in the context of online interactions. The digital sphere adds an additional layer of complexity, making it challenging for adolescents to establish mutual understanding in matters of intimacy, contributing to the risk of unintended pregnancies.
Ambiguities surrounding consent and coercion in the online realm create an environment where non-verbal cues are difficult to interpret, fostering misunderstandings and potential risks. Factors such as misinterpretation, peer pressure and the rapid pace of online interactions contribute to a landscape where consent may be unclear or misunderstood.
Inadequate communication exacerbates these challenges, hindering adolescents from openly discussing their boundaries, expectations and contraceptive practices. Insufficient communication skills, combined with the virtual nature of interactions, heighten the risk of misunderstandings, increasing the likelihood of unintended pregnancies.
Addressing the concerns: 1) Comprehensive sex education: The urgent implementation of age-appropriate sex education programmes should encompass the digital landscape, equipping adolescents with knowledge about safe sex practices and the emotional aspects of online relationships. A comprehensive sex education approach is essential, providing adolescents with the tools to navigate intimate relationships in both physical and digital realms. Fostering open communication and promoting a culture of respect enable adolescents to better negotiate boundaries, ensuring that consent is explicit, informed and mutually understood, thus mitigating the risks associated with unintended pregnancies.
2) Awareness campaigns: Targeted public awareness campaigns should focus on promoting responsible behaviour in online relationships and fostering open conversations about digital interactions, consent and responsible sexual behaviour.
3) Counselling and support services: Accessible counselling services should address the emotional aspects of relationships, both offline and online. Involving parents, educators and mental health professionals in guiding adolescents through these challenges is crucial. Emphasising family strengthening and responsible parenting practices is essential.
4) Legal and ethical considerations: Recognising the nuances in adolescent relationships within legal frameworks is essential. Advocating for ethical considerations in addressing adolescent pregnancies, both in physical and digital contexts, is necessary. Role of stakeholders: 1) Parents: Encouraging parental involvement in sex education and fostering open communication about relationships, consent and reproductive health is vital. Promoting family strengthening and responsible parenting practices is essential.
2) Educators: Integrating comprehensive sex education into school curricula, covering the digital realm, emphasising consent and responsible digital behaviour is essential.
3) Healthcare professionals: Equipping healthcare providers to offer confidential and non-judgmental services to adolescents seeking reproductive health support is vital, both in physical and digital spaces.
4) Legal system: A critical review of legal frameworks is necessary to align with consensual adolescent relationships. Advocating for rehabilitative approaches instead of punitive measures is essential.
Conclusion: The Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has taken measures to strengthen comprehensive sexuality education and built the capacity of mental health professionals. It has also recommended to the government to recruit one counsellor per school to strengthen the ecosystem to respond to any such cases in early stages and create a supportive environment. These proactive steps are essential in addressing the pressing issue of adolescent pregnancies and promoting the overall well-being of Goa’s children.
Addressing adolescent pregnancies requires a multifaceted approach that recognises the complexities of relationships and the significance of consent, both in physical and digital spaces. Fostering open communication, implementing comprehensive sex education and refining legal frameworks create a supportive environment. This collective effort, incorporating family strengthening and responsible parenting, ensures the well-being and safeguards the future prospects of adolescents in both physical and digital realms. The urgency of this crisis is undeniable, and it is imperative that we act promptly and decisively to protect the vulnerable adolescents of Goa.
(Peter F. Borges is chairperson of the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.)
