Sexual Education: Why is it important?

“One child, One teacher, One book, One pen can change the world”

— Malala Yousafzai

Introduction

In today’s society, there are lots of misconceptions when it comes to sexual education. Many countries around the world still treat sexual education as a “taboo” topic. That is due to a lack of information. People learn about sex from their parents, books or the internet. There are many myths about it, with most people believing they are true. This has led to early marriages, unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Nowadays misinformation is mostly spread through the internet. It is important we do something to change that.

Let’s go deeper into what sexual education really is about.

Definition

Sex Education is high-quality teaching and learning about a wide variety of topics related to sex, sexuality and sexual health. Its main purpose is to inform people by providing valid information. It can occur in schools, at home, in community settings or online.

Benefits

· a better understanding of sexual diversity,

· the development of healthy relationships,

· increased media literacy,

· fewer unintended pregnancies,

· lower likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted infections(STIs), and

· preventing intimate partner violence and child sex abuse.

Most young people receive confusing and conflicting information about relationships and sex, as they make the transition from childhood to adulthood. This has led to an increasing demand from young people for reliable information, which prepares them for a safe, productive and fulfilling life.

The best approach for that is Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE). Comprehensive sexuality education is a curriculum-based process of teaching and learning about the cognitive, emotional, physical and social aspects of sexuality. CSE should be medically accurate, evidence-based, and age-appropriate, and needs to provide information about normal reproductive development, contraception to prevent unintended pregnancies, as well as barrier protection to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Comprehensive sex education covers a broad range of topics related to:

· Human development, including puberty, anatomy, body image, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

· Relationships, including self, family, friendships, romantic relationships, and raising children.

· Personal skills, including values, communication, boundary setting, negotiation, and decision-making.

· Sexual behavior, including abstinence, masturbation, shared sexual behavior, pleasure from sex, and sexual dysfunction across the lifespan.

· Sexual health, including contraception, pregnancy, prenatal care, abortion, STIs, HIV and AIDS, sexual abuse, assault, and violence.

· Society and culture, including media literacy, shame and stigma, and how power, identity, and oppression impact sexual wellness and reproductive freedom.

Educational Media about Sex Education

Showing a video or reading a book are easy ways for children to understand and learn about sexual education from a young age. It is going to help a lot in the way they see topics surrounding sex and sexuality while growing up.

Learning about Consent is the most important part of Sex Education.

Nicky’s Secret

Kiko and the Hand

Book : https://www.enastapente.gr/pdf/KikoBook_en_big.pdf

Through these educational sources, children are taught in an educational and entertaining manner: the Underwear Rule

• that their body belongs to them only
• when a touch or a secret is good or bad
• when a present is becoming bribery
• and how a child can avoid a situation threatening his/her own safety.

To conclude, Sexual Education should be included as a separate subject in schools because it is really important for a child’s right upbringing and education. It will help students develop a safe and positive view of sexuality, build healthy relationships and make informed, safe, positive choices about their sexuality and sexual health. When they grow up they will be better prepared for the challenges they might face, also contributing to a more peaceful and open-minded society.

“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better. I do better.”

— Maya Angelou