SEX EDUCATION CLASSES

SEX EDUCATION CLASSES: 20.

Mr Seah Kian Peng asked the Minister for Education in light of the sexual permissiveness of teens and the rising number of teenage abortions from 1,279 cases in 2005 to 1,391 cases in 2006, will the Ministry consider revising the "Abstinence-only" message in its sex education classes to include prevention of unintended pregnancies and contraception as well.

The Minister of State for Education (Mr Gan Kim Yong) (for the Minister for Education): Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Education (MOE) adopts a balanced approach to its Sexuality Education (SE) to help students appreciate the value of healthy relationships, understand the consequences of at-risk sexual behaviour and to equip them with the skills and knowledge to make responsible decisions.

Different emphases are applied to students of different age groups to suit their level of maturity and the challenges they face. At primary level, for example, family values are emphasised so as to build a strong foundation. At secondary and post-secondary levels, greater emphasis is placed on responsible decision-making, skills to manage relationship, use of contraception and preventive measures. In addition, for students who are at risk, we counsel them individually.

MOE constantly reviews its Sexuality Education programmes to ensure that it remains relevant and effective, given the changing trends in society. An example of a recent initiative is the Breaking Down Barriers (BDB) programme, a joint project between MOE and Health Promotion Board, introduced to Secondary 3 students in schools. This programme covers topics such as STIs/HIV, the use of contraceptives and acquisition of skills such as assertiveness and responsible decision-making. The take-up rate for this programme has been very encouraging, with about 80% of secondary schools either having implemented, or in the process of implementing it. All secondary schools are expected to adopt the programme by mid-2008.

Teenage pregnancy and abortion are complex issues. In addition to an effective and relevant sexuality education in our schools, stronger family support and community collaboration are equally crucial in addressing these issues. We will continue to work with the various stakeholders on this.

Mr Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade): I just want to ask the Minister of State whether he feels that the trend is likely to improve and, if not, what other measures can be introduced. Out of the 1,391 cases of teenage abortions, I note that 19 of them were girls who were under 15 years old. I am very concerned that this has to be tackled. I know it is a difficult problem. I understand this balanced approach. But I think more needs to be done, and it may involve more than just the MOE in this case.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: Mr Speaker, I agree with the Member that this involves more than just MOE. As I mentioned in my speech, we want to work with all the stakeholders - the community, the family, the parents - to address this issue in a holistic way. Within our schools, we also allow them to adopt a differentiated approach so that the schools are able to address the needs and the interest of the students more directly, reflecting the profile and the problems faced by the students. So, we allow the principals to have some autonomy and flexibility in how the sexuality education programme is being conducted in our schools.