Why Providing Comprehensive Sex Education in Schools is Important?

Sex education in schools is a rather controversial topic that is not fully understood by many. While sex education in schools definitely introduces children to sexual relationships, it also teaches them about the human sexual anatomy, sexual values, contraception, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and human sexual behavior. Any information related to these topics can only be good for the child. In fact, a lack of such knowledge is what really causes harm. Sex education in schools is important from an early age for the following reasons:

1. Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) awareness

The topic of sexually transmitted diseases is usually thoroughly covered in sex education classes. For many of the students, this is their first exposure to the subject. While some of them might have heard or read about it before, these lessons are still important as they help clear any doubt or misinformation. In the best case scenario, students are even motivated to adopt abstinence as a protective measure. In the worst case, they will still avoid unprotected sex.

2. Decline in teenage pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy is a major concern for society. One of the causes of teenage pregnancy has been found to be a lack of sexual education. According to a study carried out by the National Survey of Family Growth, the likelihood of students aged 15 to 19 years to fall pregnant is reduced by half when they go through sex education classes. After all, sex education teaches teenagers about contraception.

3. Delay in engaging in sexual activity

A 2009 data collection revealed that 40 percent of students who are exposed to sex education in school delayed in having sex or had fewer sex partners. This is indeed good news for those who are against teenagers being sexually active from such an early age. Moreover, the same study showed that 30 percent of students who were sexually active either engaged in sexual activity fewer times or completely stopped after the introduction of sex education in their schools.

4. Development of interpersonal skills

Sex education has been found to help teenagers develop their interpersonal skills, as well as build better relationships. In fact, a comprehensive sex education involves teaching students about building their self-confidence and other interpersonal skills through activities. The curriculum aids teenagers in developing positive attitudes that help in relationship building. Such knowledge also leads them to have more productive relationships throughout their lives.

Conclusion: Implementing Sex Education Effectively

In order to bear the desired results for sex education in schools, it is important to first implement it effectively. Comprehensive sex education has to be implemented in a systematic manner. The education process is layered in a way to support teenagers and their parents as well. For sex education to be implemented in schools, parents have to understand its importance. Only then can the students really act in ways congruent to the values being taught. Guardians and parents are the primary sex educators of children. They need to provide the support required to make sex education work in schools.

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