Stop promiscuity

Stop promiscuity among teenagers

From Koran Tempo

The level of promiscuity among teenagers in the West Java capital of Bandung is worrying, and is resulting in a rising number of cases of pre-marital sex being reported to the counseling agency of the provincial family planning association.

While in 2002 only 104 cases were registered, the total soared to 170 in the following year. The figures are believed to represent only the tip of the iceberg (Tempo Interaktif, June 13).

As a result, the futures of many of our young people may be ruined. Questions should be raised as to whether the racy themes presented in the mass media has been properly censored, and whether red light districts are properly controlled.

Law enforcers should take prompt action to deter such degrading behavior and the government should also do something to improve the moral climate in society, besides eliminating corruption.

Schools are not strict enough in preventing their female students from wearing "sexy" clothes, while many artists as public figures fail to set a good example for teenagers. The exercise of control by the authorities is weak and the role of religious leaders seems to be waning.

As a father I am deeply concerned about what is happening to some of the younger generation, who should have so much to look forward to in life.

TATANG ABDUL MADJID SARIMAN Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia