Compensated dating and juvenile prostitution in early adolescents in Hong Kong

Based on the data matched in 3,239 students across Grade 8 and Grade 9, this study examined the prevalence and change in compensated dating (CD) and juvenile prostitution (JP) behavior in early adolescents in Hong Kong. The related psychosocial correlates and the interrelationships among CD, JP, and other forms of risk behavior were also studied. For the prevalence of CD and JP, about 2 % of the respondents had ever engaged in CD, and less than 0.6 % had engaged in JP. Interestingly, males reported a higher percentage of CD and JP than did females. Results showed that different psychosocial correlates (including positive youth development qualities, family functioning, parental control, and difference in paternal age and maternal age) were related to CD and JP. A moderate relationship was also found between CD and substance abuse.