In India talking about sex openly is not relished and accepted in society. Despite a very large number of patients suffering from HIV Aids, sex - the word and subject- are taboo in many parts of India and is not discussed openly.
The increasing incidences of child abuse in sex related crimes have unfortunately put society at the thresh-hold of such a perverted state that one can see no solution in sight.
Small children of 5 to 10 years of age are being lured with toffees and biscuits and are exploited by insane minds.
With adolescents becoming more and more vulnerable to drug and sexual abuse, the importance of sex abuse is gaining more importance. There is a lack of a system of awareness, where the adults’ accountability towards a child fails in the gravest manner.
These are some of the crucial issues at hand which could be saved and cured if proper sex education is imparted to the young. There is no consensus in India over introducing sex and reproductive health education in school and college curriculam.
With more than 4.5 million people infected by HIV, the virus that causes AIDs, India has become the world’s second-largest hub of the disease which means that despite having had the second largest population of HIV sufferers after South Africa, it is still taboo to talk openly about it which further ensured that sex education is not taught in schools and people especially women are reluctant to seek treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. What a pitiable situation!
What Are We Doing as Educators?
Most parents are hesitant to discuss the topic and other such matters with their children. And in school children are just taught about the basics- such as biological changes in girls and boys and reproduction, etc.
The schools are generally trying to make the children aware of these evils such as drug addiction, alcoholism, and other dangerous things.
Topics related to sexual changes at puberty, substance abuse, myths concerning the reproductive growth of a child, and sexually transmitted diseases are not part of the curriculum of education.
Central and State Govts are taking a moralistic position on this issue and have refused to recognize the magnitude of the problem. Ignorance and sex can be troubling societal demands.
Sex education is also a means to respect a partner, a wife, a husband, a boyfriend, a girlfriend and a means to respect sexual preferences.
In 1993, a survey of 35 sex education projects was conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) which showed that sex education in schools did not encourage young people to have sex at an earlier age or more frequently, as is being propagated by the so-called moralists.
Rather importantly, the survey showed that early sex education delays the start of sexual activity, reduces sexual activity among young people, and encourages those already sexually active to have safe sex.
Furthermore, WHO published a review of 1050 scientific articles on sex education programs. The research found absolutely no support for the contention that sex education encourages sexual experimentation or increased activity.
If any effect is observed, almost without exception, it is in the direction of postponed initiation of sexual intercourse and/or effective use of contraception.
Failure to provide appropriate and timely information misses the opportunity of reducing the unwanted outcomes of unintended pregnancy and transmission of STDs, and is, therefore, in the disservice of our youth”, the report called Effectsple’s Sexual Behavior.
This report was commissioned by the Youth and General Public Unit, Office of Intervention and Development and Support, Global Programme on AIDS, and the WHO.
Create Awareness, Not Boundaries !!
Honestly speaking there is no right or wrong answer when one talks about sex, and every question needs to be answered, no matter how private. This upfront approach would surely decrease the frustrations and aggressions linked to sexuality amongst youth.
It's high time when people normalize buying condoms instead of being ashamed of it. Awareness about sex education as a topic is extremely important especially when we are in the 21st century because the world is no longer moving at a slow pace.
Parents should sit and talk about it with their children because if the youngsters are not made aware timely then it can lead to serious and unavoidable consequences.
Written by- Devika Thapar
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