Teaching sex in schools

Teaching sex in schools

          Sexual behavior has recently been included in the area of social psychology. Sexual behavior involves interaction between two or more persons. It has become a topic of academic and research interest. In modern times, it has received scientific respectability and acceptability. One can say that Freud and Darwin have totally revolutionized the concept of our living. As a result of change in attitude to sex, it is proposed that India should also introduce sex education in schools.
          So far sex behavior and discussion about sex were regulated and disciplined by means of customs, religions, taboos and laws. The earlier generations learnt about sex through instinctive learning. Sex was never considered a healthy socio-biological concept. It resulted in perverted habits, crime against women and resentment against social norms. Studies in this field show that sexual behavior in human beings also involve factors at emotional level. Thus, the subject has entered a new phase.
          Need of sex education appears to be imperative because of co-education at school level. Boys and girls get more opportunities to mix with one another. They must be enlightened about the effect of early sex, emotional damage, mental and physical abuse. The child must be taught what is acceptable behavior. Children must be taught the values of sublimation of sex up to certain age level. Regulation of sexual behavior does not mean repression. Boys must be more aware of civilized behavior towards girl students. Strict vigilance is needed both at home and at school. Parents and teachers must encourage them to ask questions and, in turn, satisfy their curiosity. Counsel¬ling cells in schools can help in removing certain misconceptions from young minds.
          Today progress and concept of modernisation is considered synonymous with Westernisation. The unscrupulous advertisers and widening role of elec¬tronic media has promoted obscenity. This definitely has made pernicious effect on the mind of the youth. Nudity, ultramodern fashions, display of female body have confused the unemployed youth, girl students and poverty ridden families. Boys and girls must be taught value based social behavior. So, role of media has to be more educative. Most importantly, sex education should be ultimately connected with the hazards of unsafe sex. The youth must be made aware of the contagious ailments. It is the duty of parents at home and teachers at school to protect children from child abuse. Education should be given so that the victims of sex abuse may not feel the pressure of guilt.

          In a nut shell, the right communication is very important. The subject should be handled by specially trained teachers. It should aim at promoting ethical & spiritual values in relation to sex. It should bring about empowerment of women. This may enable them to fight violence against them. The findings of John Hopkins University should serve as a guideline in this field. According to the findings it has proved successful in the west. However, it has failed in promoting the values of healthy sex-education. Sex-education should be inev¬itably linked with moral values and sense of social responsibility among the students.
          Teaching sex in schools is a Western concept. But has it succeeded in the west in promoting social awareness and moral values among the school and college going students? The only answer is in negative. It has not reduced the cases of violence against women, teenage pregnancies and have not promoted the values of healthy sex education. Therefore, the question of teaching sex in schools in India should be linked with moral & social sciences. India is a traditional country and such a revolutionary education will not find favour with Indians.