Yeoh: Two ministries to discuss possibility of introducing sex education in schools

(The Star) –  Two ministries will meet soon to discuss the possibility of introducing sex education in schools, says Hannah Yeoh.

The Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister said she would meet her counterpart from the Education Ministry soon to work out details of the proposed sex education syllabus.

“Sex education is a must as the involvement of students in sexual habits is high.

“It is alarming that 9% of students in remove classes are sexually active,” she told a press conference after attending a forum on the Increase in Child Abuse Cases on Thursday.

She said the sex education would not be introduced right away as it will take time to work out the details.

Yeoh added that other measures to be taken in the interim period would also be discussed so sex education awareness can be instilled in students.

“It is about time we overcome the taboo surrounding sex education. If we don’t teach our children about sex, somebody else might teach them the wrong thing,” she said.

Yeoh also called for more open sharing of data on crimes against children among relevant agencies, especially child abuse cases.

“Such sharing of information can assist the relevant ministries and agencies in mapping out places and those responsible for such crimes.

“If we can reduce child abuse cases by 20% this year, it will be good,” she said.

Yeoh added that the responsibility of combating and preventing crimes against children does not rest solely on the police or her ministry.

“It is the responsibility of all to be a child activist. Only together can we combat this menace effectively,” she said.