RISING TREND OF TEENAGE PREGNANCIES

Mdm Claire Chiang See Ngoh asked the Minister for Education whether there was a rising trend of teenage pregnancies among students between 1995 and 1998; whether the average age of pregnant teens is getting younger; and, if so, how his Ministry will improve sex education teaching in schools to prevent teenage pregnancies.

RAdm Teo Chee Hean: According to the Ministry of Health, the number of pregnancies among teenagers, defined as those under 20 years of age and inclusive of teens both in school and not in school, has been stable until 1995. There was, however, a slight increase from 1995 to 1997. The number of teen pregnancies was 2,091 in 1995, 2,185 in 1996 and 2,254 in 1997. The average age of pregnant teens has remained stable at approximately 18 years.

Although the increase in the number of teen pregnancies is small, and not all pregnant teens are students, the Committee on Discipline of Female Pupils, chaired by Senior Minister of State Dr Aline Wong, has made some recommendations which have been accepted by the ministry.

Key Stage Programmes

In addition to existing programmes related to sex education, schools will target human sexuality education programmes at the key stages of Primary Six, Secondary Two and JC One.

These programmes will go beyond facts to address the moral and emotional dimensions of human sexuality. Separate, compulsory sessions will be held for boys and girls with the assistance of the Ministries of Community Development, Health as well as the Voluntary Welfare Organisations.

Preventive action against teenage pregnancy is a shared responsibility between the teenager, the parents and the school. While schools will continue to play their part, parents must be aware of and shoulder their responsibilities. A strong partnership between home, school and community is a key factor in helping to curb teenage pregnancies.