Teaching sex education to teenagers is not simple. A one-time chat about the birds and the bees do not cut it nowadays. There are so many factors surrounding sex and intimacy. Examples of these factors are teenage pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), social media, peer pressure, alcohol, and sexual identity among others. In normal situations, children should get all the information which they need about sex education from their parents. However, schools also need to incorporate this form of education in their curricula.
Here are 3 main reasons to support sex education.
1. Comprehensive sex education is effective
In the few schools which incorporate sex education, the main principle which is taught is usually abstinence-only. By taking this approach, teachers do not allow the learners to know about any other acceptable options regarding sex other than abstinence.
Adolescents are taught to just say no. This does not help those who want to say yes. Therefore, comprehensive sex education in schools can be performed so as to accommodate multiple opinions about sex. It can even cover the use of sex toys through sex education. Seeing as modern society explores more, this is a necessary part of sex education today.
The use of protection in form of condoms is a good principle to teach in sex education. Multiple studies have shown that the provision of condoms in school does not actually encourage adolescents to have sex much earlier or too often. It only ensures that those who proceed to have sex, do so safely.
2. Sex education can help adolescent males to grow into responsible men
An important part of growing into a responsible man is to maintain good health. Sex education teaches that boys should go for preventative healthcare as they grow up. This gives them a chance to discover any infections early and get treated. It also arms them with valuable knowledge which they can use to protect themselves and their partners in the future.
Teaching male children about sex encourages them to be men who take regular visits to the doctor for checkups. In this way, sex education instills a cautious mentality in adolescent males which persists into manhood.
3. Sex education prevents sexually related problems
Studies have shown that sexually aware adolescents are more likely to say no to unprotected sex. The more than a teenager knows, the higher their likelihood of saying no. Through sex education, adolescents can be taught the positive and negative aspects of sex. They can learn about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), pregnancy and the emotional effects of sex.
Effective sex education teaches adolescents about the risks surrounding sexual activity. It also teaches them how to reduce the risk using various methods. Examples of these are condoms, abstinence, the pill, and hormonal contraceptives. The parts of the vagina, including the clitoris and vulva. Teens who are armed with knowledge can engage in responsible sexual behavior by making self-preserving decisions.
Sex education has been a hot topic of debate for decades. Today, this type of instruction in schools has been found to be important and necessary. The reasons above explain why sex education should be performed. As a matter of fact, it should be expanded and made more comprehensive. It is an important type of learning which can save the lives of adolescents and teens all over the world!
