One pregnant schoolgirl would be deeply concerning. Ninety-nine thousand pregnant schoolgirls is a serious problem. In fact it is a national disaster.That 271 schoolgirls became pregnant every day in 2013 is a reflection of a complex and flawed social, political and educational system. But parents, educators and the children themselves must now take full responsibility for the situation and help prevent pregnancies.They need to work together to educate children.Yesterday the City Press newspaper reported the latest Stats SA figures on schools showing that, after a steady decline in the late '90s and early 2000s, there has been an increase in the number of school pregnancies in the past few years.From 68 000 in 2011, there were 99 000 in 2013.The reasons for this increase are not clear - what is clear is that the problem requires immediate attention.Children who are old enough to fall pregnant and who experiment with their sexuality are not aware of the consequences of sex. Nor are they aware of the effects on their young lives of raising a child. This is the direct consequence of a lack of information. Whereas they should be at school learning and preparing themselves for a productive life, these young schoolgirls are worrying about being pregnant and raising a child. Their parents, who should be supporting them through school and assisting with homework, are left to look after the grandchildren.To prevent further pregnancies, the sex education offered at schools must be reviewed immediately. Children should be taught about the health risks and biological consequences of unprotected sex, and about the social implications of pregnancy. Parents and guardians should be encouraged and supported to talk frankly about sex.If we don't act on this problem with urgency and intent, we will be failing our children and risking their futures...