Tell children about sex

SEXUAL assault is an act in which a person intentionally sexually touches another person, without that person’s consent, or coerces or physically forces a person to engage in sexual acts against their will.

In South Africa, the age of consent is 16 years. However, the law states that no child under 12 is capable of giving consent to sex.

Therefore, any sexual act under 16 years constitutes rape or sexual assault.

Many South African girls under 16 have fallen pregnant. According to the law, this is considered statutory rape – where a child younger than 16 has sex with a person older than his or her age.

Statutory rape often leads to teenage pregnancy, which interrupts the learner’s education.

Parents must teach their children about the dangers of engaging in sexual activities at a young age.

Teach them about the methods used by perpetrators to gain the child’s trust before committing these crimes.

It is important for parents to teach their children as much as they can, including diseases that come with engaging in sexual activities.

Talking about sex should not be a taboo subject. If parents do not talk to their children, they will get the wrong information outside their homes.

It is obvious that some teachers engage in sex with pupils. I read that a teacher who had sex with a pupil, was suspended.

That is not good enough. He should have been charged and given a harsh sentence.

The Education Department should be fair and firm in dealing with such cases.

BRUCE CHINNIA Phoenix