I DISAGREE with Mr Han Ming Guang ("Sexuality education, support still needed") and Ms Angeline Wong ("Premarital sex not detrimental to mature adults"; Forum Online, both published last Friday).
Both letters failed to properly understand the argument raised by Mrs Shelen Ang ("Underage sex: Tell teens they are worth the wait"; last Thursday).
Mr Han argued that to dismiss the role of contraception and health education would be dangerous and irresponsible. However, Mrs Ang did not advocate the elimination of contraception or health education. Rather, she simply argued that we should recognise the underlying issue as a matter of self-worth.
Mrs Ang's point is important if we accept that sexual activity at a premature age is harmful to development. We should be tackling the root of the issue and not merely its outward manifestations.
For example, the widespread use of contraception may indeed manage teenage pregnancy. However, the danger lies inherently in an early exposure to sexual activity and not merely the effects of an unwanted pregnancy. Therefore, while contraception has a part to play, it cannot be the primary solution.
Hence, there is a need to focus on the family. Strong families will help us raise children who are aware of their value and self-worth. As Mrs Ang argues, a comprehensive solution would focus on encouraging self-control or the ability to enjoy delayed gratification.
Ms Wong raised a curious critique. Not only did she describe marriage as a "shackle", but she also preached the benefits of sex outside of marriage.
While no one can force Ms Wong from being sexuality active outside of marriage, it is questionable whether her values and characterisations are accurate.
As premarital sex is not illegal per se in Singapore, the issue at hand is not a question of whether anyone is being denied their freedom, as Ms Wong suggested.
Rather, the issue is simply a matter of values. If ideas have consequences, we need to ask what values we are teaching to our children.
Should it be the values of unrestrained sex and instant gratification, as well as the view of marriage as a shackle? I disagree.
Han Junwei
Both letters failed to properly understand the argument raised by Mrs Shelen Ang ("Underage sex: Tell teens they are worth the wait"; last Thursday).
Mr Han argued that to dismiss the role of contraception and health education would be dangerous and irresponsible. However, Mrs Ang did not advocate the elimination of contraception or health education. Rather, she simply argued that we should recognise the underlying issue as a matter of self-worth.
Mrs Ang's point is important if we accept that sexual activity at a premature age is harmful to development. We should be tackling the root of the issue and not merely its outward manifestations.
For example, the widespread use of contraception may indeed manage teenage pregnancy. However, the danger lies inherently in an early exposure to sexual activity and not merely the effects of an unwanted pregnancy. Therefore, while contraception has a part to play, it cannot be the primary solution.
Hence, there is a need to focus on the family. Strong families will help us raise children who are aware of their value and self-worth. As Mrs Ang argues, a comprehensive solution would focus on encouraging self-control or the ability to enjoy delayed gratification.
Ms Wong raised a curious critique. Not only did she describe marriage as a "shackle", but she also preached the benefits of sex outside of marriage.
While no one can force Ms Wong from being sexuality active outside of marriage, it is questionable whether her values and characterisations are accurate.
As premarital sex is not illegal per se in Singapore, the issue at hand is not a question of whether anyone is being denied their freedom, as Ms Wong suggested.
Rather, the issue is simply a matter of values. If ideas have consequences, we need to ask what values we are teaching to our children.
Should it be the values of unrestrained sex and instant gratification, as well as the view of marriage as a shackle? I disagree.
Han Junwei
