China Scene: Central

Parents condemn sales of sweetie-like condoms

A woman surnamed Chen in Zhengzhou, Henan province, was unpleasantly surprised recently when her 9-year-old son presented her with condoms packaged as a necklace. Contraceptives misleadingly wrapped - as chewing gum, lollipops and other confections - are the latest fad with her son and his pals.

"I'm not happy about condoms being sold to juveniles because they arouse their curiosity in what is essentially an adult matter", Chen said.