The news anchor says parents should have open conversations with boys about puberty, boundaries, respect and responsible behaviour.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani news anchor Meher Bokhari has urged parents to have open and age-appropriate conversations with their sons about puberty, consent, personal boundaries and respectful behaviour.
Bokhari made the remarks in a video shared on Instagram, arguing that discussions about puberty, sexual development and responsible behaviour should not be treated as taboo. Her comments have received support from several Pakistani celebrities and prompted an online discussion about parenting and child safety.
Bokhari calls for better communication with children
Bokhari said parents cannot be held solely responsible for their children’s actions, but argued that they have an important role in teaching children the difference between right and wrong.
She questioned whether parents are sufficiently involved in conversations about the changes children experience during puberty, particularly when young people have access to social media and potentially inappropriate online content.
According to Bokhari, avoiding difficult discussions because of embarrassment can leave children without appropriate guidance at an important stage of their development.
Focus on consent and boundaries
Bokhari also called for boys to be taught clearly and consistently that women and girls deserve respect, dignity, autonomy and safety.
She encouraged parents to establish appropriate boundaries and remain aware of the type of content their children consume online.
Her broader message focused on helping young people understand responsible behaviour rather than leaving them to learn about sensitive subjects through social media or other potentially unreliable sources.
Celebrities support her message
Several Pakistani celebrities expressed support for Bokhari’s comments.
Imran Abbas, Tauseeq Haider and Amar Khan were among those who praised her message. Actor Bilal Abbas Khan also shared the video on his Instagram Story with a message of support.
The discussion also drew comments from social media users calling for greater education about consent, personal boundaries and healthy behaviour among children and teenagers.
Broader conversation on parenting
Bokhari’s remarks have sparked a wider online conversation about how parents can approach sensitive discussions with children.
The debate centres on whether families should be more open about puberty and personal boundaries while ensuring conversations remain age-appropriate and focused on safety, respect and responsible decision-making.
While Bokhari acknowledged that parents cannot control every action their children take, she argued that avoiding such conversations can leave young people without guidance as they navigate adolescence.
