The Editor, Sir:

An item in The STAR dated Tuesday May 8, said "Students selling oral sex". My problem with this story is the approach by the police who said that they are on the lookout for a group of female students.

What about the 'Johns?' The grown men, taximen or otherwise who are taking advantage of these young girls?

Your story should have had the caption, 'Men Being Sought for Carnal Abuse'. If we continue to vilify girls for their role in sex with adults, and give the men a free pass, we are adding insult to injury.

No 12-year-old or 15-year-old girl should be sexually abused (even if they are getting paid) and the men go unpunished. We have the laws in place, let's enforce them.

With the rising incidence of girls engaging in unprotected and oral sex, comes the news of a spike in the number of cases of AIDS. Then there is teenage pregnancy, unwanted children, and a cycle of violence. When will it end?

"The children are the future, treat them well and let them lead the way.

Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride."

I am etc.,

pgerry2001@yahoo.com