The number of teenage pregnancies in Namibia is rising at an alarming rate, affecting not only the teenagers but also their parents.

Life Skills Teacher Nomlinda Steyn shared some insights on the psychological impact it has on both girls and boys who have to deal with being parents at a young age.

More than 15,000 girls fell pregnant over the past four years, with the majority of fathers being absent or being too young to support their children.

This also leads to girls living in fear of being rejected by their friends, family, and society, giving rise to illegal abortions and baby dumping.

According to Steyn, many girls fall pregnant on their first sexual encounters, some even being impregnated by their cousins and other relatives.

She said, however, that the majority of the girls fall pregnant by men much older than them.

"In most cases, it's men that are older than them. Somebody who is out there. And if it's a boy who is the same age as her, this child is also shocked because he is not sure. How am I going to tell my mother? I'm not working. Who is going to take care of this child? Am I going to go to jail if I don't support the child? All of these questions. So even the boy child needs to be counselled to actually get him ready for him to know that you are going to have to take care of your child now."

Steyn said support from guardians and parents makes it easier for these teenagers to handle the situation, as teenagers live in fear of disappointing their parents.

The current Education Sector Policy for the Prevention and Management of Learner Pregnancy makes provision for girls to attend school.

However, Steyn encouraged girls to abstain from sex, take prevention measures, and avoid peer pressure.