Teenage sexuality in a conservative society

Synopsis

Jane (not her real name) is only 16, yet is already a mother of one and expecting another child. She first had sex when she was 14, and regreted it. There are many other cases like her, the most shocking one being that of a primary 3 girl.
Such cases have shocked parents and counsellors here, especially the case of the primary 3 girl.

My Personal Response
In such a conservative Asian society such as Singapore, it is shocking that more teenagers, even pre-teens, are engaging in pre-marital sex, some even with multiple partners. Not only that, they do not exercise responsibility, such as using contraceptives. On a personal level, this results in serious consequences, such as pregnancy and early parenthood, which teenagers are not mature enough to handle. Pre-marital sex might then lead on to promiscuity, which might even lead to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), if preventions are not taken.

On the social level, pre-marital sex and promiscuity will lead to the erosion of Asian values, and the family as the basic unit of society. Teenagers will grow up to no longer see marriages as important. Many children will grow up under single parents. There will be more failed marriages, resulting in more unhappiness and more broken homes. The effects will be felt in the next generation.

First, we need to identify what are the factors. Firstly, our generation is different from previous ones, in that we are living in an urban environment, not having to face the issue of survival on a day-by-day basis. Hence our focus is different from the previous generations, spending time and money on fashion, food, expensive items, games etc, and this is influenced by the amount of attention parents give to children in our generation, compared to previous ones.

Another influence is the media. Western media has linked sex to love. Yes, sex is indeed important to a couple, but should be reserved for marriage. Furthermore, love can be expressed in many other ways, other than sex. Western media has come to glorify sex in a way that says love equals sex, giving teens the wrong idea.

A third factor is the lack of proper education and support for teenagers. Sexual education in school is most likely not comprehensive enough, going by the amount of time students spend in school against the rising number of cases. Students are also often too shy or embarrassed to talk to teachers, and counsellors are not of much help either, due to the "sensitivity" of the issue.

This problem cannot be completely prevented, but it is possible to keep the number of cases low. Sex education can be introduced on a larger and more comprehensive scale, with teachers and school counsellors playing a larger role in guiding their students.

If preaching abstinence does not work, then teenagers should be encouraged to exercise responsibility. The use of condoms and other birth control methods should be promoted. Promiscuity should not be encouraged.

Hormones play a big part in a teenager's life. If left unchecked, there might be negative consequences, but if one exercises care, one can enjoy teenage hood to the fullest.

Article: http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/printfriendly/0,4139,124037,00.html