By Ayo Onikoyi

As the global community continues to emphasise the importance of effective parenting, particularly in the area of sexual socialization, a leading expert in medical sociology and health behavior, Awe Oluwatosin Ayomide, has spoken extensively on “Parenting Through the Eyes of African Youth: Perspectives on Effective Sexual Socialization.”

The discussion was held under the auspices of the Ondo State Youth Network (OSYN) Developmental Talk series, which focuses on issues affecting young people and their future.

Oluwatosin, an advocate for health promotion emphasized the role of parents in shaping the sexual and reproductive health knowledge of adolescents. She highlighted that poor communication between parents and their children often leads to misinformation and risky sexual behaviors.

She called for open and age-appropriate conversations to ensure young people receive accurate information about reproductive health.

With a background in medical sociology Oluwatosin has dedicated her career to addressing substance abuse, sexual and  behavioral health issues. Her work focuses on global disease burdens and how cultural factors influence health outcomes.

She reiterated that effective parenting strategies should incorporate scientific and culturally sensitive approaches to sexual socialisation.

Ayomide’s expertise in health promotion outreach, training, and development at grassroots level has shaped her understanding of how sexual education can be improved in African societies.

Drawing from her research on parent-adolescent communication, she noted that many African parents rely on silence or fear-based tactics when discussing sexuality, leaving young people uninformed or misinformed. This, she argued, increases the risk of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and sexual violence.

According to Oluwatosin, the failure to provide comprehensive sexual education has long-term consequences for individuals and society. She pointed out that misinformation or lack of knowledge about reproductive health can contribute to high rates of teenage pregnancies and unsafe abortions. “Parents must be proactive and intentional in educating their children about sexuality in a way that aligns with scientific knowledge while respecting cultural values,” she said.

She also stressed the importance of harm reduction strategies in sexual health education, particularly in addressing issues like substance abuse, which can contribute to risky sexual behaviors.

Her experience as a substance abuse advocate has allowed her to work closely with communities affected by drug use, helping them make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Oluwatosin’s career spans various roles in health promotion and research, including positions at The Nurture Place for Drug Harm Reduction, and the Home and Street Kids Initiative Organization. Her extensive work with marginalized populations has given her firsthand insight into the challenges young people face in accessing accurate sexual and reproductive health information.

With academic background including a Master’s degree in Medical Sociology from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, and an MBA from Stanton University, California, her research has explored various topics in medical sociology.

During her presentation, Oluwatosin provided actionable recommendations for parents, educators, and policymakers.

She urged schools to integrate comprehensive sex education into their curricula and encouraged parents to seek training in effective communication strategies.

“It is not just about giving children information; it is about equipping them with the right knowledge to make informed decisions,” she said.

She also called on governments and non-governmental organizations to support programs that promote responsible sexual behaviors among adolescents. She highlighted the need for increased access to reproductive health services, particularly for young people in underserved communities.

“Education without access is incomplete. We must ensure that youth-friendly services are available to those who need them the most,” she added.

Oluwatosin’s passion for transforming the healthcare environment through research and advocacy was evident throughout her presentation. Her career vision centers on using medical sociology to develop evidence-based solutions that address social determinants of health and improve healthcare accessibility. She believes that interdisciplinary collaboration is key to achieving sustainable change.

Oluwatosin reaffirmed the need for a collective effort in improving sexual socialisation among African youth. She urged parents to be open-minded, educators to be proactive, and policymakers to implement supportive frameworks.

 “We cannot afford to leave our young people in the dark when it comes to sexual health. The time for action is now,” she stated emphatically.

The Ondo State Youth Network expressed appreciation for Ayomide’s insights and emphasised the importance of continued discussions on parenting and youth development. The organization reiterated its commitment to providing platforms for experts to engage with young people and shape policies that will enhance their future.