Sexual assaults in schools a disturbing trend   

The incidents of sexual misconduct and alleged sexual assault that happened in university orientation camps in Hong Kong recently have garnered widespread social condemnation and alarm. Those misdeeds have not only inflicted severe psychological trauma on the victims but also underscored a disregard for the law among some young people.

Sexual assaults have profound implications for the psychological well-being of the victims, who may experience fear, shame, and diminished self-esteem. Long-term psychological problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder, can result from such experiences. These incidents could also have negative impact on the psychological health of society at large, eroding people's feeling of safety, weakening mutual trust, and raising concerns about the future development of societal moral values.

Sexual assaults occurring in university orientation camps have raised significant societal concerns and condemnation. The progression from previously tolerated indecent behavior, such as the infamous "happy corner" — a sometimes injurious physical game that verged on bullying — to more-severe transgressions, including sexual harassment and alleged rape, highlights a disturbing trend.

These occurrences have not only astonished society but also invoked deep-seated concerns.

Sexual education plays a pivotal role in preventing sexual assault incidents. However, research indicates that sexual education remains insufficient or lacking in many schools and universities. The shortcomings in Hong Kong's sexual education manifest themselves in several ways:

Inadequate content. Many schools' sexual -education curricula are overly simplistic, focusing solely on basic physiological knowledge while neglecting crucial topics like gender equality, consent, respect and personal boundaries. This lack of comprehensive sexual education makes it difficult for students to understand what constitutes a healthy sexual relationship.

Untimely education. Sexual education in many institutions begins too late, often after students have already been exposed to sexual risks. This inappropriate timing leaves students ill-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to address the risks of sexual assault.

Inconsistent quality. The quality of sexual education varies widely among different schools, with some schools offering no sexual education at all. Such inconsistency leaves a portion of students without access to proper sexual education, rendering them more susceptible to the risk of sexual assault.

The sexual misconduct/assault incidents that took place in university orientation camps highlight significant societal, ethical and mental health problems that require university managers to take measures to ensure the safety of students and promote a healthy value system.

These incidents reflect a glaring lack of respect for the law among some young people. They might also indicate a lack of respect for others and self-restraint. This may be attributed to changing societal values and the influence of pernicious educational and familial environments. Therefore, educational institutions should enhance ethics and values education to establish proper behavioral guidelines and ethical principles for students.

The victims reported the incidents only after the orientation camps concluded. This suggests an insufficient awareness of sexual violence and consent among the victims, as well as their uncertainty about how to handle such situations. Universities should provide comprehensive sexual education, including training on consent, gender equality, and sexual violence prevention, to enhance students' awareness of safety and their ability to protect themselves.

Furthermore, the reported lack of a close relationship between "group leaders" and "group members" in these incidents could have contributed to the difficulties in handling the cases. Universities should encourage the establishment of more support systems and social structures to help students build close friendships and trust relationships. This can contribute to increased mutual assistance and support among students, especially when facing challenging situations.

Universities should establish effective reporting mechanisms to encourage students to report misconduct while ensuring whistleblowers' privacy and safety. The institutions involved should proactively engage in investigations and enforce strict measures against the violators to demonstrate respect for societal ethics.

Educational institutions should prioritize students' mental health and social ethics education and take measures to prevent inappropriate behavior, raise students' awareness of safety, and promote correct values and ethical principles. This requires cooperation between schools, families and various sectors of society to ensure that the younger generation becomes responsible and respectful members of society.

To strengthen social morality, improve sexual education, and safeguard the psychological well-being of the younger generation, both the government and society at large should implement the following measures:

Educational institutions should provide comprehensive sexual education curricula that cover topics such as gender equality, consent, respect, and personal boundaries. Sexual education should commence at an early stage and be continually updated to reflect societal changes.

Governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations should intensify efforts to raise awareness of sexual assault and harassment. These initiatives could include public awareness campaigns, workshops and training programs designed to enhance public awareness and equip individuals with prevention and response strategies.

Educational institutions should establish support systems for victims, including access to psychological counseling and support services. These systems can aid victims in coping with psychological trauma and encourage them to report incidents.

Legal systems should impose severe penalties for sexual assault and harassment offenders as a deterrent. Concurrently, appropriate legal action should be taken against individuals making false accusations.

These measures will contribute to the creation of a safer and more respectful society while safeguarding the psychological health of every individual.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Lau Kin-shing

The author is vice-president of the Hong Kong Psychological Counselling and Consultation Society, a senior Chinese psychological counselor and course instructor, and a full member of the Asian Academy of Family Therapy.