Sex Education

Sex education, also known as sexuality education or sex and relationships education, is
a process of giving knowledge and forming attitudes and beliefs about sex, sexual
identity, relationships and intimacy. It is a broad term that describes education on human
anatomy, sexual reproduction, sexual intercourse, reproductive health, emotional
relations, reproductive rights and responsibilities, abstinence, contraception and other
aspects of human sexual behavior. Sex education is basically conducted to help
youngsters and elders prevent themselves against abuse, exploitation, unintended
pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV and AIS. Sex education is mainly
provided by parents or caregivers, teachers, school programs and public health
campaigns. Ideally, it should be given to kids before they reach puberty and before they
have developed established patterns of behavior. Sex education forms the basic
foundation on the basis of which more complex knowledge can be build up over time.
Apart from offering various pros, sex education has its list of cons as well. Sex
education is the act of informing younger and adult generations about everything they
need to know about sex. Sex education is one of the most controversial issues in
education, which has been floating on educational institutions since ages.
Sex education is not !ust about sex. It includes other sensitive issues like sexual health,
sexual reproduction, sexuality and others that parents often feel uncomfortable talking
with their children. "herefore, it becomes the responsibility of schools to address this
issue, and inform and educate students about it as much as possible.
#ften, sexual education in schools is considered as a recreational course rather than a
serious issue. "here are many pros and cons of sexual education being taught in the
public schools.
Should health and physical education teachers teach children about sex? Here's
a look at the pros and cons.
Sex Education Advantages
Sex education goes a long way in teaching students the correct knowledge about
their bodies, human reproductive system, sexually transmitted diseases, birth
contraceptives and pregnancy prevention techni$ues. Student%s can be taught
the correct terms of the reproductive system, sexually transmitted diseases and
birth contraceptives rather than the &street language.&
Appropriate sex education in schools has a great impact on preventing sexual
problems in adulthood. Also, it teaches students on what is right and what is
wrong.
"hrough sex education, young people are able to communicate, listen, negotiate
with others, ask for and identify sources of help and advice when it comes to
sexual relationships.
It is believed that little knowledge is a dangerous thing. 'ost sex education
provided to students is during physical education or health classes. "aught
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properly, sexual education could become a regular course such as Human
Anatomy or (iological Science complete with tests and grading that goes
towards their graduating credits.
)lasses are gender exclusive. "his saves embarrassment amongst students and
teaches them only what is necessary to know based on their gender.
'yths surrounding intercourse can be dispelled *such as not being able to get
pregnant the first time+.
Studies show that many teenagers become sexually active before the inclusion
of the educational classes. ,arly inclusion of classes has proven to help students
remain either abstinent or to at least be responsible if they are active.
)hild sexual abuse is a social malice that is afflicting thousands worldwide. Sex
education in school can play an active role in curbing the incidence of abuse as
through it children can be made aware of the difference between good and bad
touch.
Sex Education Disadvantages
Some disadvantages might be-
Students may still suffer from embarrassment or get excitable by the topic matter.
"his can cause for out.of.control classrooms if students take to giggling or
making inappropriate remarks.
'ost sexual education classes are taught as a brief interlude during a physical
education or a health class. "his is not a long enough time to effectively relate
such serious material.
#ften, sexual education can go against an individual%s moral or religious beliefs.
'any schools do not teach &abstinence only& but teach how to have intercourse
safely, whereas many religious and family values stress marriage before
intercourse.
Sexual education is often viewed as a &recreational& course and not a serious
sub!ect *this is a direct correlation to the fact that there are no grades or scores to
be derived from class+.
"eachers are not always trained how to properly teach sexual education courses
and may transgress their own beliefs or morals into the sub!ect matter rather than
stick with the facts.
"he attitudes of parents, educators or religious leaders in the community can
cause the sub!ect matter to vary from state.to.state, or even school.to.school.
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