KUALA LUMPUR: With children as young as eight involved in sexual offences and sexuality issues, MPs are advocating for the Reproductive and Social Health Education (PEERS) syllabus to be revised.
Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Women, Children and Community Development chairman Yeo Bee Yin revealed the disturbing findings following visits to several primary and secondary schools in the country.
She said it was found that many young children are involved in activities such as sexual grooming, sexual crimes or sexuality issues by mutual consent, often without realising what they are doing is illegal.
"This shows that the times are changing and the PEERS syllabus must also change to keep up. It is time to re-examine the PEERS syllabus and when it is taught as our children mature faster at a younger age," she said during her committee briefing at the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Dec 11).
On potential updates, Yeo (PH-Puchong) said children should be taught from a young age how to know if they are being sexually groomed.
"They must be taught where it is safe for others to touch them, especially involving family members or people they know," she said.
She also called for a more comprehensive definition of paedophilia in the PEERS syllabus and better awareness of sexually transmitted diseases (STD).
Yeo also said it was important to include topics on the possible punishment children may face for sexual crimes, which could serve as a deterrent.
She suggested that girls and boys be separated during PEERS classes, with syllabuses tailored to their respective genders.
"This will allow them to be more open and discuss more sensitive topics, creating a more conducive environment for learning," she said.
