More teens in Singapore are having sex. The number of statutory rape cases involving girls under 14 in Singapore jumped more than 70 per cent in 2009 when compared to 2008. Most of the cases were surprisingly consensual sex amongst casual friends and boyfriends, most of whom were about the same age.
The cases were mostly reported by girls' parents or teachers once they found out. The punishment for statutory rape in Singapore varies. If the culprits are youngsters themselves, they might be fined, sent for reformative training or given probation. Some are jailed.
But if older men are involved, more severe sentences like jail and caning are handed down. The girls involved in such cases are not punished, even if they initiate sex, but they are sometimes counselled.
STDs and abortion rates amongst teens in Singapore are also on the rise. Last year, 787 teens caught STDs, more than three times the 238 in 2002. Teenage abortions last year was 1,289.
To find out more about rising teenage sex and pregnancy rates and what you can do about it watching this Talking Point interview with Joanna Koh, Focus on the Family President and Dr Wei AKA Dr Love:
