Do we need sex education in our schools ?

Sexual development begins much earlier than most imagine, long before the obvious physical changes start appearing with puberty. Yet many parents find it difficult to come to terms with this aspect of child’s growing up. They are often unable to talk about sex to their children either through embarrassment or simply because they cannot find the right words. But, sympathetic and informed understanding from the parents is crucial to healthy sexual development in young children and adolescents.

It is heartening to note that the Third Asian Sexology Conference made recommendations which would shatter the sexual myths prevailing at present Poor knowledge of sex and total ignorance about the union of man and woman in the process of procreation, with attendant pleasures that such union provides, are responsible for a number of misconceptions thriving even in the last decade of the 20th century.

While children are dependent on their parents, government is reluctant to allow sex education to be included as a part of the curriculum. While the movies and the serials shown on the small screen stimulate the younger generation sexually, in the absence of the right attitude and. sound knowledge about sex, they commit mistakes which more often result in ruining their lives as could be seen from the unwanted pregnancies being on the increase and HIV positive cases and STD related diseases mounting.

Positive steps are necessary to stop all the misconception and introduction of sex education in schools and colleges in a scientific and healthy manner. Though science has advanced so much, we seem to go on making sex a mystery and an obscenity, which it is not Discussing sex in public is not considered polite or in good taste. It is being done only by murmurs and whispers or only by using foul four-letter words. Children are discouraged when they try to probe facts about sex and are even punished. This drives them to acquire knowledge of sex through dubious and ill-informed sources like equally ignorant friends or cheap pornographic books. Even many couples feel guilty that they are doing something undesirable by indulging in sex in darkness inside their bedrooms. This sort of attitude and considering sex as taboo are responsible for a number of crimes like unnatural sex, abuse of children, rape of women, homo-sexuaity, etc.

If children and youngsters learn about sex in a scientific and objective way from individuals qualified to impart sex education with the help of illustrations, models, slides, etc. they would be more careful before indulging in clandestine sex. At least they would be careful to take precautions so as to avoid unwanted pregnancies or contracting dangerous diseases like AIDS, STC, etc. They would also be alert when strangers approach them with evil designs.

It is high time that sex education should be introduced in our schools and colleges without any sense of reservation. It would be a step in the right direction, as this would save many youngmen and women from embarrassing situations, in which they find themselves due to poor knowledge about sex.

But one word of caution. The quality and content of sex education to be imparted and the individuals who would be most qualified to teach and explain the highly sensitive subject will have to be very carefully decided. Another important aspect to be kept in mind is whether it is safe to allow both boys and girls in the same classrooms while sex education is being imparted. It would be prudent if classes are held separately, so that they would feel free to get their doubts cleare4 from the persons teaching such education.

As it is an explosive subject, even if due care is taken, the results may sometimes be disastrous. Introduction of sex education is, no doubt, of paramount importance, but the manner in which it is done needs to be decided by a team of doctors and psychologists working side by side.