Teen Sexuality

Nov 23, 2007
S'porean students are a sensible lot, health survey shows
By Sharon Loh, Assistant News Editor

IN the first such national survey, health authorities here have found that Singaporean teenagers are by and large a sensible lot who mostly don't smoke because it is harmful, don't engage in sex because of disease and unwanted pregnancies, and who try to eat the required servings of fruit every day.
The survey of 3,844 Secondary One to Four students was conducted by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) between April and August last year.

The survey findings, released by HPB on Friday, found that just four out of every 100 15 and 16-year-olds have had sexual intercourse, a far cry from previous surveys by other groups, which polled 20 out of every 100. Top of the reasons for not having sex was the fear of getting sexually transmitted diseases or HIV, followed by the fear of pregnancy, being too young and upsetting their families.

The survey also found that the number of kids who have tried cigarettes dropped from 26 per cent in 2000, to 19 per cent last year. The percentage who had smoked at least one stick a day in the previous month also dropped from 11 per cent to 9 per cent.

But there were some dark spots among the bright. Of the teens who have had sex, one quarter had engaged in intercourse more than 5 times in the last 12 months.

The median age for having sex was 15, which meant that half of those teens were even younger when they started. And nearly two thirds said they had sex because 'it just happened'.

When it comes to cigarette smoking, the prevalence has remained unchanged from 2000, with 2 per cent of all youths regular smokers. More than half picked up the habit before the age of 12.

Exercise also does not figure high on teens' priorities, with only one out of 5 exercising 30 minutes a day for at least 5 days in the week. Boys were more than twice likely to exercise than girls. They were also more likely to eat the recommended servings of fruit and vegetables a day than girls.

Sugary and deep fried foods are also a big hit, which could have an impact on later health. More than half (52 per cent) have deep fried foods more than twice a week, and 29 per cent have sugar-laden drinks more than once a day.

A key part of the survey, on mental health, is yet to be completed.

In the meantime, teens deal with stress by tuning out the world. The top ways of de-stressing are to listen to music, watch television, play computer games and surf the Internet, ahead of talking to someone about it.

HPB said the survey provides baseline data for any youth health initiative the government may embark on later.

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Most teens shun sex and smoking, survey shows
Poll of 3,844 Sec 1 to 4 students shows they love junk food and exercise little
By Tessa Wong
Poll of 3,844 Sec 1 to 4 students shows they love junk food and exercise little
By Tessa Wong


UNHEALTHY DIETARY HABITS: The survey found that only 24 per cent of teens eat two servings of fruit and vegetables daily. They are also fond of sugary and deep-fried foods. -- ST FILE PHOTO

THE first nationwide survey of its kind has found that the average secondary school student is level-headed about sex and smoking, preferring to abstain from both, but is also a couch potato who loves his junk food.
The Student's Health Survey, by the Health Promotion Board (HPB), polled 3,844 Secondary 1 to 4 students from 51 schools between April and August last year.

It focused on practices and attitudes towards smoking, sex, diet and exercise. A mental health component is still being evaluated.

Many habits which persist in adulthood are formed in one's teens. The survey provides baseline data for future youth health initiatives to mould these habits, said HPB's chief executive officer Lam Pin Woon.

1. A mixed picture emerged from the survey:

2. Four per cent of all Secondary 3 and 4 respondents said they have had sex.

3. Half of this group had sex before they were 15, and one-quarter of them had sex more than five times in the past 12 months.

4. The number of teens who are regular smokers remains at 2 per cent. Fewer are likely to try smoking, 19 per cent compared with 26 per cent in 2000.

5. But half of teen smokers pick it up before the age of 12, and 19 per cent of them do not think it is harmful.

6. At least 70 per cent of students knew they should eat two servings each of fruit and vegetables daily. They are also fond of sugary and deep-fried foods.

7. Exercise was not a top priority. Boys were more than twice as likely to exercise than girls.

Respondents were given anonymous questionnaires to fill out in class while a teacher was present.

Overall, the survey shows that teens are at a vulnerable stage of life when they need guidance, said experts.

The answers for why they have sex - 'it just happened', 'it felt good' - indicate a lack of self-restraint in dealing with sexual feelings, said youth counsellor Carol Balhetchet.

'They cannot decipher or rationalise for themselves what they should do, and just go with the flow,' she said.

Dr Balhetchet felt the figure for sexually active teens seemed low, compared with other surveys, and said respondents might not have told the whole truth to avoid embarrassment.

Nutritionist Anna Jacob said health is often not a teen priority.

'They are in a critical stage of growth, and burn calories like crazy. It's a natural reflex to eat high-calorie foods...' she said.

The only result released for mental health found that most teens dealt with stress by tuning out the world. They would rather listen to music, watch television, play computer games and surf the Internet, ahead of talking to someone about it.

This is natural, said teens.

'Some people feel better when they're alone and can get to grips with their situations,' said Rameza Khan, 15, a Coral Secondary School student.

But youth must be careful not to isolate themselves, Dr Balhetchet warned.

twong@sph.com.sg


Median age when they have sex
Four per cent of 15- and 16-year-olds have had sex. The median age of these teens losing their virginity is 15.

Two per cent of those polled are regular smokers. The median age of them having their first cigarette is 12.

At least 70 per cent of students know about the daily recommended intake of fruit and vegetables. But only 24 per cent follow that guideline.

Only 19 per cent of teens exercise regularly. Boys exercise more than girls.