Police issue warning over rise in teenage pregnancies

Colombo, May 18 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka Police issued an urgent public advisory in response to a reported rise in teenage and underage pregnancies, calling on parents, guardians and children to work together to prevent further incidents and protect children’s welfare.

Police said stronger family involvement is essential, warning that a lack of parental attention and emotional support can make children more vulnerable to exploitation and risky behaviour. They said busy work schedules often limit the time parents can spend with their children, resulting in growing emotional distance within families.

Police said some children, particularly teenage girls, may turn to social media platforms and online interactions for emotional connection when adequate family support is absent.

They warned that such situations can increase exposure to inappropriate contacts and potential abuse.

To address the issue, police urged parents to create open, supportive home environments where children feel safe discussing personal problems without fear. Police encourages guardians to monitor changes in behaviour such as declining academic performance, increased secrecy, excessive smartphone use, or social withdrawal, and to respond with guidance and counselling rather than punishment.

Children, especially young girls, are advised to exercise caution when using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, and to avoid sharing personal information or engaging with strangers online. They are also encouraged to immediately report any suspicious behaviour or harassment to trusted adults, including parents, teachers, or school authorities.

The Sri Lanka Police further urged the public to use emergency hotlines 119, 118, 109, or 107 in cases of abuse, exploitation, or danger.

Meanwhile, the National Child Protection Authority reported a significant number of child-related complaints in 2025. According to the agency, 10,455 complaints were received during the year, including 545 cases of sexual harassment and 231 cases of grave sexual abuse.

The authority also recorded 38 rape cases, 150 incidents of cyber abuse targeting children, and 20 attempted child suicides. In addition, nine cases of child marriage and 79 teenage pregnancies were reported, along with other concerns such as children without birth certificates and minors left behind when parents migrate overseas.