THE STAR has received reports that female students of at least two high schools in St. Catherine are selling sexual favours to their male counterparts for prices ranging from $10 to $50.

These favours reportedly range from gyrating (on the boys) to actual penetration, the latter attracting a fee of $100.

A teacher at one of the high schools confirmed that these activities were taking place the on school grounds and said that she became aware of the incident about three weeks ago. She said she was informed of the practice by some of her students, but did not know it was so widespread.

She told THE STAR, "I know that some of them sell 'wine' for $10 dollars, and in other schools I hear that they sell it for $50. I also know that they charge $100 'just to push it in'." These activities, she says, take place in designated classrooms, preferably those that are out of the way and far from teachers and students.

The girls who are said to be involved in these practices are primarily from grade seven, while the boys are in grades nine to 11. The 'transactions' usually take place during the lunch break.

Sexual advances

She also told THE STAR of another deviant practice in which the girls are reportedly engaging. "Some of the same schoolgirls allow the taxi men to 'feel them up' so they can get a free ride." She revealed that this came to her attention after a taxi man made a report to a teacher.

These things, however, are just a few of the problems the school is facing and, according to the teacher, females making sexual advances to male teachers is nothing new. She told THE STAR of one case where a student was reciting the lyrics of Mavado's Squeeze Har Breast, while telling her classmates that she wanted the teacher to do those things to her. "It's an ongoing thing," she said. "You have some of them who write love verses and songs for the teachers, or some will say 'sir I'm going to take you away'."

She revealed that reports had been made to the school's principal and that some parents were called in. She added, however, that many were in denial and did not believe the things they were told. She said the children involved were reprimanded, but admitted that she was not aware if they had received any form of punishment.

She is not aware of a plan by the school administration but said there have been several discussions on the matter. "I think it's very bad and it's only going to get worse," she said. "It's because of society and the music - it's just sex . A lot of them are responsible for themselves so their homes have a lot to do with it."

Minister of Education Andrew Holness told THE STAR that he was aware that these things were happening in schools and said he had received reports of videos and pictures circulating on the Internet. "There is a greater level of promiscuity than before," he said. "I don't know if it is driven by the greater availability of adult material to children. At this level, they need guidance, because these things lead to the kind of behaviour that can result in STDs."

He said parents need to get more involved, monitor their children and educate them about promiscuity. "I am worried by it," he said. "The guidance unit has had an increased number of such complaints and we are investigating the reasons behind it."