Sex education is a comprehensive set of knowledge and process of learning the emotional, physical and social aspects of sexuality. Sex education is an essential tool to help them learn about a broad range of topics related to biological, psychological and sociocultural perspectives of individual beings as well as a key intervention to prevent and reduce sexual harassment, assault and abuse.
Sex Education – “Why is it important?”
Sex education is portrayed and perceived poorly because even to this day and age, the concept of “Sex” in our area is considered to be in some way or form a “taboo” if talked about openly in public. Social issues like sex is always ignored and most of the information on sexual matters is obtained from internet where teenagers and youths are left confused with the wrong information. Sex education in schools was and is still an uneasy topic to be discussed. People still find it hard to talk about sex as it is veiled by a hypocritical notion as to how sex before marriage is deemed unfit or unsuitable for society. People still believe that sexual education may lead to adolescents indulging in sex early on in their lives. But, it is actually a proven fact that countries that have a proper system of sexual education are equal in percentage to that of countries that don’t have a proper system of sexual education and in some cases, even have a much lower percentage than countries who don’t have a proper system of sexual education. The majority of our people share a negative outlook on sexual education because of the negative stigma we have on sex and sex before marriage. Nobody ever talks about sex but instead, sex is defined by culture.
Whereas, in reality Sex education helps children and adolescents to feel more comfortable in their own skin and it helps adolescents deal with the changes that their bodies go through without feeling confused or scared about the changes which are taking place. Personally, I’ve seen and noticed that most adolescent girls learn about their menstruation the day their period starts leaving them confused and scared making them unable to deal with the problem at hand in a healthy manner. Same with adolescent boys as many boys are scared and confused when they experience nocturnal emissions for the first time. Girls and boys at puberty are ashamed to discuss this issue with their parents. Sex education in institutes should not be limited to female menstruation but total health for both. To be taught not only to the female but both male and female. Proper sexual education can make the process and experience of growing up transition much smoother than it currently is.
Because of the lack of proper and reliable sexual education in our community, most adolescents are more prone to being unaware and unprepared for unwanted pregnancies and STIs (Sexually Transmitted Illnesses) Issues like STI/STDs are often ignored to be discussed to the children and adolescents.. They are unaware of the consequences and outcome of the deeds they are doing, without having any knowledge of precautionary measures.
The adolescents in our community are left confused because of the mixed messages they get in life, for instance; a message from saying all sex before marriage is bad and the media portraying sex as being adventurous and some sort of rite of passage. This sometimes may also make them feel ostracised which may lead to future mental illnesses. The lack of discussion on issues like STI/STDs often confused adolescents when and where to find the resources to prevent these outcomes. Teen needs accurate information about sex . Only a few people visit doctors for their sexual problems.
Adults may feel ashamed or uncomfortable to talk about sex or maybe afraid to give wrong examples to the young. In this day and age, it is easier to get access to hardcore pornography than it is to get proper sexual advice from adults in an adolescent’s life. Children and adolescents these days get their information about sex from pornographic films or pictures and mass media and not from adults who are responsible for the individual’s physical, psychological and social well-being.
It is also a sad fact that most sexual advances and assaults towards adolescents and even young children occur from adults related to family or someone close to family. And because of the lack of security provided by adults on this topic they are left to deal with the traumas alone which are mostly in an unhealthy manner. Sex was and is still a sensitive topic in our community because of our ignorance.
Instead at least half of our community doesn’t know if sex is a social issue. This type of education is obviously needed due to the high number of teenagers sexually transmitted diseases , pregnancies, Lack of counselling in the School and health services due to Social, Religious norms and prohibitions in our community leads to Increase risk in behaviours ,mental health ,problems in society.
Sex education in schools and homes can help prevent sexual harassment among the youths. Parents delay talking to their children about inappropriate touching. Children should be taught from a young age the difference between a good touch and a bad one and should be taught the value of saying “No” to someone when and if the child doesn’t feel comfortable with what’s happening around them. The child should also be given the security to tell the parents about anything that’s going on with their lives as most victims are afraid and unaware of whom and when to ask for help. Sex education shouldn’t be school education alone it also needs to happen at home. However awkward it may be sex education is a parent’s responsibility.
Sex education is very necessary for teenagers in this present scenario to be informed to make the right decision for their social and cultural life. Nowadays teenagers and youths are mostly engaged in sexual activities and it is better if they get sexual education. Young people can also learn to appreciate themselves and deliver confidence. Teenagers will learn to enjoy their sexuality and be more responsible with their sexual and personal relationships. And therefore, Sex education in schools, institutions is very necessary for teenagers and youths to ensure students that our future generation will be well prepared about sex in general. It includes a positive view on sex and the safety involved in sexuality. Sex education helps teenagers prepare themselves for life changes to enter adolescence and changes in their body are normal. For example, boys and girls will not panic at their first menstruation nocturnal emission. Comprehensive sex education teaches youth that sexuality is normal and a healthy part of human life Sex education is a means of giving awareness to the youth as it increases their knowledge and understanding about life in general and it can bring positive change to sexual behaviours and reduce both mental and physical health outcomes.
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr Hewasa Lorin, Dr. Aniruddha Babar, Aienla A, Rinsit B Sareo, Meren Lemtur and Kvulo Lorin.
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