Students in Kiambu County have been cautioned against participating in strikes and engaging in substance abuse, with a counsellor linking such behaviors to declining academic performance and moral decay.
Speaking during a bursary disbursement event at the Kiambu Women Representative office Monday, Counsellor Catherine Wangechi expressed concern over the recent surge in strikes in learning institutions, describing the trend as a wanting behavior that undermines the future of the youth. She urged students to take academics seriously.
“Strikes are not the solution. As students, you must prioritise your education. Take your academics seriously and report any mischievous plans by fellow students that could disrupt learning,” she counselled.
Wangechi said that peer influence plays a major role in introducing vulnerable learners to harmful habits. “Some innocent students are corrupted and introduced to substances. What starts as just a taste ends up becoming a serious addiction that destroys lives and academic dreams,” Wangechi warned.
She also raised alarm over the growing menace of pornographic addiction, saying it has contributed significantly to low self-esteem among young people.
“Pornographic addiction cases are on the rise, and pornography ends up destroying self-esteem. The practice affects how students view themselves and their ability to focus on studies,” she added.
She called on parents to play a more active role in the upbringing of their children, emphasizing that the responsibility of molding responsible citizens begins at home. She therefore urged guardians to monitor their children’s associations and activities closely.
Officials and stakeholders present echoed Wangechi’s sentiments, calling for collaborative efforts between parents, teachers, and government agencies to address emerging challenges facing students.
Wangechi pledged to continue counselling students and parents seeking guidance on behavioral and psychological matters at the Women Representative’s office.
By Kipkorir Felix
