The end of 2010 was marked by a surge in media attention on rape – most notably the case of a 15 year old girl who alleged she was gang-raped by two boys, on school grounds, during school hours. Much of the media coverage surrounding this case was analysed in an MMA report, which concluded that media could have handled the whole issue significantly better.
Media reports continued to explore the complexities surrounding this case, including City Press’article “Generation S(ex) – and loving it” (28/11/2010, p. 10) which gets a GLAD for highlighting the extent to which pornography is used by young South African children and teenagers to educate themselves about sex. The article also delved into peer pressure, expectations to have sex, the role of parents in sex education and accessed children and asked them about their own thoughts on sex and pornography, while protecting their identity and giving them all pseudonyms.
The article interviewed six children from different parts of South Africa and asked them why they chose to have sex, or abstain. Those who chose not to engage in sexual activities said it was due to religious beliefs or sex education from parents who warned them about sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. Those who were having sex mentioned willingness to experiment, peer pressure and not wanting to remain a virgin and “be left behind” as main reasons for their choices.
A separate article, which formed part of the same feature: “Mom and dad, let’s talk about sex” (City Press, 28,11,2010, p.10), addressed this issue and cited a programme which showed that “most children want to hear about sex from their parents.” However, the article also goes on to say that “many parents shy away from having frank and open discussions with their children about relationships, sex and sexuality” despite arguments that this type of education sees young people “delay their first sexual experience and make informed decisions.”
Recent attention and debate surrounding cases of rape among young people in South Africa has highlighted the need for more sexual education at home and in schools. By speaking with the children but protecting their identities, City Press not only gave them a voice, but provided insight into complex, taboo and rarely discussed issues directly from the mouths and minds of those who experience them.