( l - r ) Davis, Little-White

Scantily clad women, inviting cars driving by to stop, is a hallmark of a prostitution hot spot. Sections of New Kingston and Port Henderson in Portmore are two areas where the practice is popular.

It used to be prevalent late at night or in the wee hours of the morning. That is gradually changing, with the women being present at all times of the day. But is this practice affecting young people's (children) outlook on prostitution and sex because it is right in their face?

Acceptable for some

"It makes it acceptable for some people," said Shane Tomlinson, 14. The high school student who lives in Portmore says while this is not the case for him, he thinks it is for some teenagers.

He said he has seen the women in the New Kingston area while going to school, and he sees them in the evening around six, in Port Henderson.

"Sometimes if you're on the bus, they (teenagers) will joke that she is a person's parent or that sort of thing," Tomlinson added.

Kay, a dancer, whom Flair met in Port Henderson, believes her group's practice does expose children to the idea of prostitution too early. She, along, with another woman, was standing in front of an establishment beckoning to cars at 3 p.m.

"It is exposing it to dem too early because we're out there early enough, when they're on their way from school," said Kay who has a daughter. The woman thinks there should be an area provided for them to stand, where men who are interested in their services can drive through, without it having to be open to everyone who passes by.

More liberal society

Sex therapist, Dr Heather Little-White, said the practice does make a more liberal society. But she thinks it is important to improve sex education in schools as that will make youngsters more equipped for decisions about sex.

"They should be placed in context. There is still a mystique to sex," she said when it comes to teenagers. "If taught in a sterile environment it will release the mystique so maybe the curiosity and drive to try it will not be so strong," Little-White added.

For Fay Davis, mother of a 16-year-old daughter, it is a great opportunity to discuss with children any concerns parents may have.

"I show them to her and tell her that's not the way to live," she said.

"Sometimes it's not what they see on the street, it's what they see in the home," she added. As a result, she says, she instils good values in her child at home and discusses sex openly with the teenager.

She admitted, however, that this may not be the case for others.

Note: Prostitution is not legal in Jamaica.

Name changed to protectidentity.