There is need for sex education especially among the adolescents. Adolescence is a period when the younger people tend to lend about rapid changes in their bodies and try to adjust to the changes.
During this period, puberty sets in and many changes occur such as development of breasts in girls, onset of menstruation period.
They also experience growth of hairs in their public areas, which most people believes is a sign that the individual is sexually matured. Therefore they need information about what is happening and how to take care of the changes. Most of them, at this time become emotional and inquisitive about what is going on.
According to planned parenthood, sex education is highly quality teaching and learning about a broad variety of topics related to sex and sexuality, exploring values and believe about these topics and gaining the skills that are needed one’s own sexual health.
Sex education helps people gain the necessary information, skills to make the right decision about sex and sexuality.
According to UNESCO, the aim of teaching children sexuality education is the equip them with the knowledge, skills attitudes, and values that will empower them to realize their health, well-being and dignity; develop respectful social and sexual relationships; consider how their choices affect their own well-being and that of others; understand and ensure the protection of their right throughout their lives.
UNESCO further stated in its website young people often receive confusing and conflicting information about relationship and sex as they make transition from childhood to adulthood and this had led to increasing demand from the younger ones for reliably information which prepares them for a safe, productive and fulfilling life. Sex education is important to help the younger ones to understand and accept the changes that occur during this period of transition into adulthood.
Sex education may be formal, taking place in the classroom or it can also be informal, taking place outside the school environment. Parents and guardians are often faced with the challenges of creating environment to support the younger ones in their quest and to nurture good sexual health.
However, many people believe that give their children sex education will increase the chance of their involvement in sexual act. Sex education helps people gain the necessary information, skills to make the right decision about sex and sexuality.
A study noted that young people need to be provided with more balanced messages instead of informing them about the health risk and negative consequences associated with sexual activities. The younger ones need clear information about sexual decision-making.
Sex education is needed to provide the adolescents with the opportunity to make a decision towards maintaining a better health and attitudes in life. One study pointed out that sex or sexuality education is an essential tool to help the younger ones learn about broad range of topics related to biological, socio-cultural and psychological perspective of individual beings as well as a key intervention to prevent and reduce sexual harassment, assault and abuse.
They also need proper support not only to navigate the biological, social and cognitive transition of their life but also to prevent sexual harassment and abuse which are now increasing at an alarming rate. Young people should be assisted to develop a positive sense of their own sexuality by creating opportunities for them to consider all aspects of sexuaility, to ask questions, and to understand that there are adults who supportthem as they learn about this part of themselves.
Teaching the younger ones sex education will also create the confidence in them and boldness to report the inappropriate physical approach from someone. In sex education, them will be taught about some parts of the body that need restriction with the reasons. They will also learn to say no to some certain offers made to them.
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Sources: www.unesco.org/why sexuality education is important
www.thedailystar.net/why sex education is important now more than ever
www.plannedparenthood,org/what is sex education?
www.actionhealthinc.org/comprehensive sexuality education:trainer’s manual
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