Students less likely to practise safe sex, survey shows

Singaporean students are 20 times less likely to use condoms when they have sex for the first time, compared to those who have finished their studies.

This contrasts the worldwide trend, where students were more likely to have used condoms the first time round.

The findings of the latest annual survey commissioned by condom brand Durex highlighted the need for early sex education here, said Mr Nikhilesh Kalra of Reckitt Benckiser Malaysia & Singapore.

"Parents, teachers and peers need to step up to take a more proactive role in sharing information about safe sex, especially since condom use at first sex has been found to have a positive impact on sexual health later in life," said the marketing director of the consumer goods group.