The phenomena of school children getting material compensation for their sexual involvement with adults, or "compensated dating," has been on the increase in east Asia.

This is particularly serious with great consequences for children in the countries where there is a lack of public attention, stressed ECPAT Asia and Pacific Chief Amalee McCoy Monday here.

The phenomena appearing in Japan more than 10 years ago is now becoming prevalent in east Asian countries including Thailand, McCoy added while launching an annual report on the issue by ECPAT-- a children right group.

McCoy noted that the practice typically involves children from "decent families," with few perceivable social or financial problems.

To make it worse, he added, there is little recognition in some countries that such children are highly vulnerable to the great risk in term of physical and psychological harm.

He pointed out it is of vital importance that awareness-raising campaigns be carried out to emphasize that children involved in the phenomena are victims of crimes, not "prostitutes or criminals." Only in this way, he stressed, could this worsening situation for children be halted immediately and their welfare in the whole area be enhanced.
 
(Xinhua News Agency April 27, 2004)