Okay, hands up those of you who have viewed an ‘inappropriate’ website over the past fortnight? Don't be shy; it appears you're not the only one with a sticky keyboard.
According to a recent survey from one of our more prestigious universities, one-in-four Thai teens now uses their computers for more than just homework. If you believe the polls, it appears almost half our youth is obsessed with ogling pornography online.
In a classic Keystone Cops approach, the grown-ups are chasing cyber frogs online and playing cat and mouse with the offending sites, rather than actually addressing the real problem. They prefer simply to tell teenagers what they can and cannot do, watch, see and even wear, it seems.
It doesn’t take a genius to realise that youngsters of a certain age, when told not to do something will go out of their way to do it. While young Thais may have a different upbringing to many western kids, all youngsters are plagued by the unavoidable curiosity growing up brings.
Sex education in our schools is also a joke: not just a schoolboy titter, it’s a ball-busting howl. As a famous agony aunt once said: “Nine out of ten 14-year-old boys masturbate – the other ones a liar.” This is probably true, but what’s being done in our schools to educate kids about sex? There is no agreed curriculum and most teachers feel ‘naked’ [metaphor, embarrassed; vulnerable] when it comes to this particular life and social skills lesson.
While Thai youngsters always look to their elders for advice and counseling on important matters in our life, most of us ‘elders’ crumble when it comes to talking about sex. Is it surprising our kids are looking elsewhere in their quest for knowledge?
It is time for adults to grow up. We need to break through the embarrassment of talking about sex with our kids and be ready with some answers when they start to ask those awkward questions. If we are open, honest and informative then we can help break down the lure of the unknown.
Sub Junior is 10 years old right now. I hope I practise what I preach in the not too distant future.
