Editorial: Youth violence - it's time for urgent action
Editorial: When youth violence - time for urgent action
Namibia is reeling from a series of brutal killings carried out by young people against their own families. Just last week, in Kavango West, a teenage boy was accused of murdering his grandparents.
And about two months ago, in Usakos, another adolescent was accused of slaughtering his family members in a chilling act of domestic violence.
These tragedies are not random. They point to a deeper crisis affecting the country’s youth. High unemployment – over 50% – leaves many young people without hope or direction.
Family structures are under strain, with too many homes lacking the support, guidance and stability children need.
Mental health problems often go unnoticed and untreated, while substance abuse and easy access to weapons add to the danger.
Namibia needs to respond urgently. Mental health services must reach all communities, not remain limited to urban centres.
Counsellors and social workers should be available in schools and local clinics to spot trouble early.
Young people need meaningful opportunities to engage with society, through sports, training, arts and community projects that offer purpose and keep them off the streets.
Families also need support to prevent breakdowns before they happen. Parenting education, community networks and targeted assistance can help create safer, more stable homes.
Teachers, community leaders and police need to be trained to recognise the warning signs in young people so interventions can happen before violence erupts.
Too often, the nation reacts with shock and horror when these murders happen, only to quickly forget and move on as if nothing happened.
This cycle of outrage and amnesia must end. Namibia must act now to address the roots of this violence and prevent more families from being destroyed.
Namibia is reeling from a series of brutal killings carried out by young people against their own families. Just last week, in Kavango West, a teenage boy was accused of murdering his grandparents.
And about two months ago, in Usakos, another adolescent was accused of slaughtering his family members in a chilling act of domestic violence.
These tragedies are not random. They point to a deeper crisis affecting the country’s youth. High unemployment – over 50% – leaves many young people without hope or direction.
Family structures are under strain, with too many homes lacking the support, guidance and stability children need.
Mental health problems often go unnoticed and untreated, while substance abuse and easy access to weapons add to the danger.
Namibia needs to respond urgently. Mental health services must reach all communities, not remain limited to urban centres.
Counsellors and social workers should be available in schools and local clinics to spot trouble early.
Young people need meaningful opportunities to engage with society, through sports, training, arts and community projects that offer purpose and keep them off the streets.
Families also need support to prevent breakdowns before they happen. Parenting education, community networks and targeted assistance can help create safer, more stable homes.
Teachers, community leaders and police need to be trained to recognise the warning signs in young people so interventions can happen before violence erupts.
Too often, the nation reacts with shock and horror when these murders happen, only to quickly forget and move on as if nothing happened.
This cycle of outrage and amnesia must end. Namibia must act now to address the roots of this violence and prevent more families from being destroyed.
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Namibian Sun
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