SEX, being a taboo subject, and the culture of silence fuel the growth of sex abuse and sex-related offences against children, the Education Ministry said.
The ministry said it would not give up the fight against child abuse as it aggressively beefs up its advisory role to clamp down on perpetrators of these heinous and despicable acts on children.
"For parents who love their grog, it is time to cut down on the grog and social gatherings, because quality time must be spent with children," the ministry said.
"For the protection of our children, a culture of dialogue on any given subject must be nurtured in our homes, our churches, our neighbourhoods and in our nation.
"It is a weapon society can use to combat sexual abuse."
The ministry said children should be wary of overly affectionate and generous people who would lure them with gifts. The ministry called on parents, especially mothers, to be vigilant with their children, "be aware of people coming into your homes even if they are relatives".
The ministry said it gave top priority to the welfare and safety of students in all schools.
The ministry said: "Rules are in place so that teachers and school managements ought to adhere to and ensure the safety and well being of students."
The ministry urged parents, teachers, community leaders, village elders, youth groups and religious leaders to take a more pro-active role to weed out such repugnant conduct.
