According to WCC, common issues observed among teenagers include access to pornography and online dating. Photo: Freepik
Exposure to pornography can lead to unrealistic expectations about body image and intimacy, says Yeap Yen Ying, community outreach lead at Women’s Centre for Change (WCC) Penang.
"Teenagers who engage in pornography or sexting may develop skewed perceptions of relationships, prioritising physical attributes over emotional intimacy, communication and mutual respect," she explains. "This can hinder the development of healthy, long-lasting relationships."
Teenagers who engage in pornography or sexting may develop skewed perceptions of relationships, prioritising physical attributes over emotional intimacy, communication and mutual respect, says Yeap. Photo: Women's Centre for Change (Penang)The WCC-run Respect Programme, now in its 15th year, aims to help teenagers navigate relationships alongside modern challenges. And one of its key components is the Respect Talk for Teenagers, conducted recently at SMK Westlands in Pulau Pinang for 55 boys from Forms Three and Four. The session explored the negative effects of pornography and sexting on teenage relationships, and offering instead, tips for building healthy connections.
The programme also includes the Respect Manual, a resource available for free on WCC’s website or as a purchasable hardcopy.
"Pornography often portrays sex unrealistically, creating false beliefs about body image, sexual performance and behaviour," says Yeap. "Sexting, meanwhile, can pressure teens into prioritising physical intimacy over emotional connection, limiting open communication."
"The psychological, emotional and social effects of these practices are far-reaching," she adds.
Therefore, parents, guardians and counsellors play a critical role in guiding teenagers on the healthy use of technology and fostering respectful relationships, Yeap stresses.
Troubling Trends
WCC social worker Ooi Bee See speaking to students at Phor Tay Private High School in Pulau Pinang during another Respect Talk. Photo: Women's Centre for Change (Penang)
According to the Ministry of Health’s National Health and Morbidity Survey 2022: Adolescent Health Survey, 154,646 adolescents reported having had sex, with 33% starting before the age of 14. Alarmingly, 88% did not use condoms or other contraception, and 11% have had more than one partner.
A 2022 survey by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development revealed that one-third of teenagers access pornography, primarily online. The survey also revealed that 68.8% of youth aged 16-24, and 31.2% of teenagers aged 13-15, have had sex.
These findings highlight a significant rise in teenage sexual activity over the years, increasing from 0.9% in 1994 to 7.6% in 2022.
The Respect Programme hopes to equip teenagers with tools to foster healthy relationships, negotiate boundaries and challenge gender stereotypes. The initiative focuses on topics like friendships, dating, managing conflict and understanding sexual assault. It also raises awareness of gender equality to reduce vulnerability towards exploitation.
"By addressing misconceptions and raising gender awareness, teenagers can make healthier choices in their relationships," says Yeap.
Male volunteer Jorim Tan speaking at the recent Respect Talk. Photo: Women's Centre for Change (Penang)
In 2024, the Respect Programme was conducted at five schools, reaching 420 students. While the numbers might seem small, Yeap believes each participant can influence their peers, amplifying the impact and message.
Each 90-minute session is tailored to address the unique challenges faced by different schools or communities. Common issues observed and addressed include the easy access to pornography and online dating.
In addition, WCC also runs a Cybersafety Programme to combat online violence, which has become increasingly prevalent with rising Internet use.
Through these efforts, WCC aims to empower teenagers to form respectful relationships, ensuring they are better equipped to navigate the complexities of modern life, concludes Yeap.
