A report has hinted that up to 95 per cent of teenagers are not in positions to solve basic problems and that parents may have taken a back seat in guidance and parentage.

A report by Zizi Afrique Foundation and Regional Educational Learning Experience (RELI) says only five per cent of young people between 13-18 years can solve their social issues.

A concern is raised that the internet has promoted laxity in studies so much that children rely heavily on internet searches in solving and working out basic problems.

The Report on Life Skills and Values also reveals that parents may have abdicated their guidance roles, leaving children to either rely on peer advice or the internet.

And that teenagers can access the internet with little or no control from their parents and guardians is also blamed on cultural and moral decadence.

Speaking at an Eldoret hotel, Uasin Gishu County Executive for Youth and Sports, Engineer Lucy Ng’endo, appreciated that data collection and surveys are key in solving problems as well as informing policies.

Eng Ng’endo said that much as the internet has advantages, it should be regulated as some of the content may erode good morals and endanger cultures.

The internet has several advantages especially for empowering our youth through expansion of knowledge and employment,” said Eng Ng’endo.

However, because of the dynamics of internet business, our children may access harmful and radicalizing contents that may affect their behaviours,” she adds, “It is therefore paramount for all of us to get closer to our children and monitor what the world feeds them, they need our protection.”

She hinted that the County Government of Uasin Gishu is finalizing a plan that will ensure all areas within Uasin Gishu get access to free wireless internet, hinting that there will be control of use. This is one of many programs to empower the youth to global business and employment.

Her Education and Culture counterpart, Dr Janeth Kosgei said the internet is a good tool in modern life but parents need to teach their children what is good and bad.

The internet is important but it provides a free world where everything can be accessed. It is therefore good for parents to teach their children what is beneficial and what is not.”

In matters of discipline, Dr Kosgei said parents should promote children’s adherence to instructions, citing a case of a child with earphones in church or operating a phone during a conversation.

Most speakers also called on parents to support the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) as it equips a child with the capacity to acquire skills for day-to-day life.