Young people are exposed to information. This is due the internet usage from an early age. Much of this information is misleading as the sources are inaccurate. And sex is one of those topics. Comprehensive education on sexual matters in schools could be beneficial for many reasons. Ideally, parents should educate their children about sex. Same time, schools also have a part to play. Here are the reasons why sex education should be taught in schools.
Many teens are sexually active
Statistics show that a large number of teens in the U.S. are sexually active.
- Interest in romantic and sexual contact begins between the ages of 11 and 14.
- Sexual exploration is common in adolescence.
- About 54% of all adolescents in the age group 15-19 admit to some type of sexual experience.
In a 2019 survey:
- 38% of high school students reported having had sexual intercourse at least once.
- Among ages 15-19, about 44% said they had had oral sex with a different-sex partner.
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Abstinence-only education isn’t effective
Many studies make it clear that programs promoting abstinence as the only option are ineffective. Sex education may not discourage teens from having sex either but at least it teaches them how to do so safely.
Parents prefer their children to abstain from sex. Unfortunately, they have many temptations. So, they don’t always have the maturity to say no. Many teens see oral sex as being compatible with abstinence. They don’t realize that it puts them at risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Parents face difficulty discussing sex-related issues
Parents may not discuss sex with their children at all. Others may battle to talk about the subject. It can be difficult for kids from older parents – especially those who grew up in more conservative cultural environments to discuss sexual matters openly with their children. This can drive children to the internet. They might try to find out more information about sex.
The internet is a source of some good information about sex but they are more likely to get exposure to the wrong information. It can be confusing when they receive conflicting information. There are also many sexual predators online looking out for young people they can exploit. It is much better for them to get information from teachers who are informed and trained to communicate about the topic.
It does not encourage kids to have sex
Without enough good information, young people may not be aware of the consequences of their actions. Good sex education gives them factual information. They will learn about:
- Safe sex practices and the consequences if they don’t follow them.
- The effectiveness of various birth control methods in preventing unwanted pregnancies.
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and their transmission, prevention, and treatment.
- HIV prevention and transmission.
- Behavior that can put them at risk when sexually active, such as consuming alcohol or using drugs.
This information can discourage risky behavior rather than encourage them to have sex. It may delay the age of sexual initiation and decrease the frequency of unprotected sex.
It can be empowering
Sexuality has many aspects to it. It includes cognitive, physical, emotional, and social aspects. Comprehensive sexual education can be empowering in all of these areas.
- It helps to equip young people with the knowledge they need to empower them. It can improve their attitudes toward sexual and reproductive health.
- It can promote a healthier relationship with their bodies.
- It can help them to protect their health, and dignity, and equip them to develop respectful sexual relationships.
- Learn how to be safe in the online environment. This will include information about how to deal with sexting, cyberbullying, and online sexual harassment.
- Understand more about how their sexual actions can affect others.
Ignorance isn’t bliss
Young people live in a world full of:
- unintended pregnancies
- gender-based violence
- sexually transmitted diseases, etc.
There are serious risks to their health and well-being. Many high-school students report experiencing sexual violence. From them, LGBTQ+ students are more at higher risk. Ignorance does not serve young people. A lack of education can make them vulnerable to harmful sexual behavior and sexual exploitation.
It can deal with common sexual misconceptions
Topics like sexual health check-ups, masturbation, and sexual and gender identity are key topics for teens. They may have many hang-ups if they don’t receive accurate information about these topics. It helps them to talk about issues like this with a trained professional. Students should be able to talk about their sexuality and the emotions that come with it. Males need to know that masturbation won’t cause impotence or blindness.
The curriculum should offer more balanced views of sexual and gender diversity than before. It should address issues like homophobia and male chauvinism to create a more inclusive environment in schools. Culturally responsive and inclusive sex education can help young people to have healthy relationships. They can develop the emotional and social skills they need to be empathetic adults.
When it has the most impact
Like other subject areas, there is a right time to teach students about sexuality. Sexuality education works best when it’s:
- Taught by trained professionals
- Introduced early and continued through the years.
- Evidence-based
- Inclusive of LGBTQ+ youth
- Adapted to cultural and community needs.
It has more impact when school-based programs have the involvement of parents. It doesn’t stop parents from sharing their morals, values, and views with their children. It can provide a springboard to help them discuss these issues with them.
It is also more effective when training institutes and youth-friendly services with experience in sexual matters are involved. They understand how to present the information in the correct way. They know how to get the most engagement. Encouraging young people to think about ideas like why consent is important is better than just telling them how to ask for it.
It works best when every age group receives suitable content. Introducing sexual education at a young age will consist more of discussing healthy relationships without going into detail about sex. Older students will learn about complex topics such as:
- sexual consent
- pregnancy
- HIV testing
- gender-based violence
When they receive this kind of education at the appropriate stages of puberty, it helps them. They are less likely to suffer from the consequences of uninformed, unhealthy sexual activities.
Awareness is the solution
Giving young people information about safe sex practices and the risks of different types of sexual behavior helps them to make more informed decisions. Informing them doesn’t make them more open to have sex. It does increase their chances of having safer sex. Schools can play an important role in promoting healthy sexual attitudes and behaviors in young people.
