Improper family planning is one of the known causes of child neglect in the Abura-Asebu- Kwamankese (AAK) District of the Central Region, Mrs Ellen Osei, the district's Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has said.

She said parents and guardians had abdicated their responsibilities because of the large family sizes and this was affecting societal growth and development.

"A little after 10 years, most parents and guardians leave their wards to their fate to manage and fend for themselves, this is our nation's great tragedy because this could breed criminals which is a threat to national security," she added.

Mrs Osei said this in an engagement with parents, teachers and students at the Putubiw and Apewosika communities in the AAK district on the need to take child nurturing and protection issues seriously.

She urged people to plan their family sizes to ensure proper care of their wards.

On education, the Director said parents must enable their children to attend basic education and to take advantage of the free second cycle education to help shape their future.

"Don't leave your children to labour while his or her mates are in their classrooms studying and making their schooling a priority and let them know the benefits of being learned," she said.

She urged the youth to stay chaste until marriage and to use the internet carefully not to consume bad materials.

Mrs Osei urged them to know themselves and their limits, dress moderately and decently, show respect to all, eschew unhealthy competitions, accept corrections and be willing to change for the better.

To be able to carry on with the fight against teenage pregnancy, child neglect and child protection issues in the district, she urged corporate and private bodies to extend financial assistance to aid the good course.