Advertisement
Advertisement

Modern attitudes towards sex

TV show Sex Education encourages young people to think over dating and sex-related matters that they may face.

The three episodes targeted at young people, which explore sexual harassment at school, teenage cohabitation and compensated dating, aim to clear some common misconceptions.

'Some of the girls involved in compensated dating mistakenly think that they are in control because they can choose which boys to go out with. They don't associate their activities with the shame and guilt that comes with prostitution,' said Liane Cheng Wai-fong, executive producer of the programme.

'And some boys are not aware that their actions, such as secretly taking pictures of girls and touching them, have serious consequences' said Cheng.

Here are brief summaries of the three episodes and a selection of views from young people on the issues.

Episode 5 Gender Games

(The episode was shown on Nov 17 and can be viewed at http://www.sexedonline.tv/)

Synopsis: Junior student Man and his friends like to joke about sex and girls' bodies. His cousin Jane becomes a victim of ridicule because of her developing body. Jane feels harassed and stops going to school.

An unfortunate incident makes Man regret his actions. He is sexually assaulted by a stranger in a public toilet and finally understands how Jane must have felt.

What do they think?

Anna Lau Age: 24

I think sexual harassment is quite common in Hong Kong schools. Many boys think their antics are harmless but it actually constitutes sexual harassment. Examples include boys making fun of girls during PE lessons. They think they embarrass the girls, but they are actually making fools of themselves.

Polly Ng Age: 24

It's natural for young people to be curious about sex. But many of them don't know when they have gone too far. When I was in secondary school, the boys talked loudly about sex and made dirty jokes in front of the girls. They were not aware that it's sexual harassment.

Episode 7 Teenage Cohabitation

(It will be shown on TVB Jade at 8pm on Saturday)

Synopsis: Fifteen-year-old Milk has frequent arguments with her family. One day, the rebellious girl brings her boyfriend Ka-lok home to stay overnight. It turns out that Milk is planning to let Ka-lok to move in. When she threatens to leave home, her mother can do nothing but allow him to stay. Heated arguments break out between her parents over the boy's presence. After Ka-lok breaks up with her, she finds out that she is pregnant. Instead of blaming Milk, her family gives her support.

What do they think?

Joanna Poon Age: 17

I think it's okay for student couples to live together, as long as the relationship doesn't clash with studies.

Curtis Cheng Age: 16

I don't think it's right to stay over at your partner's place when you're still in school. It could make your family unhappy and distressed. My parents are a bit conservative and they wouldn't like it if I did that. They certainly wouldn't allow me to bring a girl home to stay overnight.

Cindy Lee Age: 17

It's wrong for teenage couples to live together without obtaining their parents' approval. They are likely to have sex, which could lead to teenage pregnancy. My family is conservative. I definitely wouldn't do that while I'm still in school.

Kaye Leung Age: 21

Although I wouldn't do it, I don't think it's wrong for young couples to live together. Because of the internet, society has become more liberal. Many of my friends also accept cohabitation.

Episode 8 Compensated Dating

(It will be shown on TVB Jade at 8pm on December 8)

Synopsis: Kerry, 15, has been idle since quitting school. To make money, she provides compensated dating services for men. She regards them as fools that she can manipulate. Her clients include lonely middle-aged men and introverted youths. She uses the money to buy expensive products and sees herself as independent and smart. Things take a nasty turn when she is punished for leaving a young man at the cinema. The boy and his friends take her into a building and torture her. The boys are arrested, but Kerry is devastated.

What do they think?

Vivian Wong Age: 17

It's outrageous to date an older man for money. Everyone should be treated equally and no one should be forced into a relationship where they are viewed as an object.

Doris Ngan Age: 17

I think compensated dating is wrong. Those girls sacrifice their dignity for money. It's morally wrong. However, I don't think it's common among local teenagers. It's mostly a Japanese thing.

Lina Chu Age: 23

More and more girls are doing compensated dating. I think the main reason is our greedy material culture. They regard compensated dating as a quick way to make money. To me, they are no different from prostitutes.

Post