I REFER to yesterday's report, 'More girls under age 14 having sex'.

In the past decade, teens have matured at a younger age, with a stronger physique and raging hormones.

The advent of the Internet age, with easy access to information and pornographic materials, has heightened the curiosity of young minds.

The decline of moral values is also evident. Teens have no qualms about displaying affection in public with the opposite sex.

The media also plays a part in spreading Western influences and cultures in contrast to orthodox Eastern values.

The rise in the number of cases of young girls engaging in sexual activity is of grave concern. The decline of moral values will impact family lives, and unwanted pregnancies and medical problems will affect society at large.

The fact that girls are not punished, even if they initiate sex, needs to be reviewed, as punishment should be meted out equally.

Sex education should be given greater prominence in schools, and parents must give it their utmost support. Community clubs and religious institutions can play a greater role to promote talks on sex education.

Most importantly, despite their busy lifestyles, parents must not overlook the need to have a heart-to-heart talk to their children on sexuality.

Bennie Cheok

This article was first published in The Straits Times.