Young Teens Indulging in Unprotected Sexual Activities and Contracting HIV and Other Diseases and Efforts to Promote Sex Education

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked the Minister for Education with the rise in the number of young teens indulging in unprotected sexual activities and contracting HIV and other diseases (a) what are the Ministry's efforts to promote sex education; and (b) what is the Ministry doing to keep up with the changing attitudes towards sex among the young.

Our schools equip students with age-appropriate knowledge and skills to understand themselves, maintain healthy relationships, and make wise, informed and responsible decisions on sexuality matters.

Students learn about media influence, cyber relationships, dating and romantic relationships, and the social-emotional and legal impact of sexual behaviours. They also learn about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the consequences and impact of STIs/HIV, and protection against STIs/HIV.

The MOE Sexuality Education is reviewed regularly, taking into consideration emerging trends, local and international research, input from specialists in relevant fields and our local context. This ensures that the content is relevant and responsive to the changing attitudes of students towards sexuality matters.

As parents play a significant role in sexuality education, schools also work closely with parents to support their children.