The worrying rise in sexual offences involving juveniles in recent times follows long periods of isolation during the coronavirus pandemic and easy access to online pornography.
The widespread use of social media has also created confusion among teenagers on the issue of sex and loving relationships. The need for better sex education in Hong Kong has never been greater.
It is disturbing that the number of arrests of those aged 20 or below for sex crimes surged to 396 last year, a 10-year high. Almost all those arrested were male, with more than half aged 10 to 15. The total marked a 71 per cent rise from 231 cases in 2018.
More than two-fifths – 169 – were arrested for indecent assault. Another 86 were held for unlawful sexual intercourse, which means having sex with a girl under 16, and 11 for rape. The trend has apparently continued this year, with more than 200 arrests made in the first six months.
Today’s online culture is having an increasingly strong influence on the mindset and behaviour of the young and vulnerable.
Experts believe disruptions to school life and a growing dependence on social media have hampered proper education on sexual relationships and resulted in distorted moral values and unacceptable behaviour.
