FORTY per cent of teens polled by The Straits Times said men have asked them for sex, or made sexual comments, in chatrooms, social networks, online games and instant messaging platforms.

Often, the proposition came within minutes or after a couple of conversations. The following are typical conversations, based on responses to The Straits Times survey.

First chat conversation

A (predator): Hi, I'm 30, male, you?

Melanie (victim): I'm 17, studying.

A: Where do you study?

Melanie: JC. How about you?

A: I'm working now.

Melanie: Oh I see.

A: What hobbies do you have?

Melanie: I like shopping, going out with my friends, movies. But I'm feeling quite bored cos it's school hols now.

A: Oh do you have a boyfriend, never go out with him?

Melanie: Oh, he's busy sometimes.

A: How long you two been together already?

Melanie: Just a few months only.

A: Oh I see, as for me, I'm single.

Second chat conversation

A: Hi there again.

Melanie: Hello.

A: So what do you usually do with your boyfriend?

Melanie: Ok what couples usually do, like movies and I go to his place sometimes.

A: Go his place to do what? Do you mind if I ask, do you have sex with him, are you a virgin? I think your Friendster profile pics are very hot!

Melanie: Why you ask this kind of question? Thank you :)

A: Just wanna find out more about you.

Melanie: Haha. We are close, that's all I can say.

A: Ok. Hey, want to meet up? I can pick you up from your place, we go have coffee.

Helplines

Need help dealing with sex predators? Call:

Tinkle Friend (for primary school pupils): 1800-274-4788

Touchline (for youth): 1800-377-2252

Care Corner Mandarin Counselling: 1800-353-5800

National Family Service Centre Helpline: 1800-838-0100

Singapore Planned Parenthood Association Counselling Hotline (to help young people and adults with sexuality-related problems and concerns): 1800-775-8582

This story was first published in The Straits Times on 29 December 2008.

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