What is sex education?
Sexuality education is the process of learning about and accessing information about sexual and reproductive health and sexual relationships. It covers everything from the biological aspects of sexual intercourse, to contraception and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), to the emotional and social aspects of sexuality. The main aim of sex education is to provide young people with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed and sensible decisions about their health and well-being. At Surecheck we believe in the power of information and are here to discuss all things when it comes to sexual literacy and safety.
Lack of sex education
Lack of sex education is common as it is still taboo for many people to talk about sex openly. In many families, this topic causes awkwardness, especially between children and parents, leading to a general avoidance of the issue. However, this can cause many problems for young people. Without adequately presented information, many young people are confused about their own sexuality and desires and are informed about sex by the porn industry, which is far from giving a realistic view of human relationships. Additionally, many young people are not aware of how best to protect themselves both physically and mentally from potentially dangerous situations related to sex. This can lead to trouble such as unplanned pregnancies or contracting STIs, as well as sexual violence and harassment.
Through sex education, young people learn how to use contraceptives correctly and effectively, which reduces the risk of STIs and unwanted pregnancies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this statistically leads to a far healthier and safer sex life. Unfortunately, as mentioned, uninformed young people still turn to questionable sources of information, which increases the risk of mistaken beliefs and practices. However, sexual literacy is not just about the biological aspect of sex.
Emotional and social aspects
Sex education also addresses the emotional and social aspects of sexuality. It addresses key issues of mutual consent, respect and, most importantly, communication in relationships. By informing themselves adequately, young people learn from an early age how to recognise and respect the boundaries of others, as well as to communicate openly and calmly their desires and needs. This helps build healthy and equal sexual relationships, which are the foundation of any mature relationship. It is important that this model is set as an example for children at home.
Self-esteem and confidence
One of the biggest benefits of sex education is that the more informed a young person is, the more relaxed and confident they are. When a person understands their body and knows how to care for it, they usually feel more confident and able to make decisions and communicate their boundaries. This is especially important as young people enter their teens and begin to be sexually active for the first time. The information and clarity gained through sex education can reduce sex-related stress and anxiety in youth. Of course, a person learns best through their own experiences and with time, but sex education is definitely helpful when first encountering this oh-so-big topic – sex.
Prevention of violence and bullying
Adequate sexual awareness also plays a key role in the prevention of sexual violence and harassment. By teaching young people how to recognise and respond to potentially violent situations, as well as how to protect themselves and seek help, sex education contributes to creating a safer and healthier environment both in and out of school. Often, victims of violence blame themselves or feel shame about what happened, which makes them reluctant to talk about it. One of the main aims of education is to help young people respond in a timely manner and to register and communicate where their boundaries are in relationships.
Sex education and public health
Sexuality awareness has broad public health effects. As well as reducing the incidence of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies, it can also help reduce stigma and discrimination associated with sexuality and sexual health. When society is better informed and educated, people are more likely to speak out on the issue, support policies and create programmes that promote sexual health.
Reducing the stigma and myths associated with sex
Sex education plays a key role in breaking down myths and stereotypes related to sex and sexuality. These often lead to shame and anxiety, which can have serious consequences for our physical and emotional health. By providing accurate information and open conversations, sex education promotes more open and supportive societal attitudes. Examples of myths and stigmas that sex education can dispel:
- Myth: “Only certain people can get STIs”
Sexually transmitted infections can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age or social status. Sex education teaches that everyone who is sexually active should protect themselves and get tested regularly.
- Myth: “Masturbation is a shameful thing”
Masturbation is a normal and healthy part of sexual development. It can help individuals get to know their body better and achieve clarity about their sexual preferences.
- Myth: “Only men initiate sex and have sexual desires”
Sexual desires and initiative are normal for both men and women. Sex education promotes equality in sexual relationships and respects the desires and boundaries of all partners.
- Myth: “Homosexuality is a disease or a deviation”
Reality: Homosexuality is a diversity in human sexuality that is complex and extremely colorful. It is important to be tolerant of the preferences of all consenting adults, even those who are different from us.
Sex education at school
School plays a key role in the provision of sex education. Here’s what a successful school programme includes:
Inclusivity: programmes should be age-appropriate and cover a wide range of topics including anatomy, puberty, contraception, STIs, sexual violence and healthy emotional relationships.
Qualified Teachers: Teachers delivering sex education should be sensitive and well trained to provide accurate and neutral information. This includes training in pedagogical approaches and up-to-date medical knowledge.
Safe environments: Schools must create a safe and supportive environment where students can ask questions and discuss their concerns without fear of judgement or stigma.
Sex education at home
Parents play a major role in their children’s education and upbringing. Honest and open conversations about sex and relationships are necessary for adolescents to mature into functional members of society. One of the major barriers to effective sex education at home is the generational gap in approaches to the topic. Many Baby Boomer (1946-1964) and Generation X (1965-1979) parents perceive the topic as taboo or believe it is not appropriate to talk about sex with children. In contrast, subsequent generations of parents are more liberal and more willing to approach the issue openly.
One way parents can contribute to a teenager’s well-being is through calm, sensitive and open conversations. Such an approach not only provides the necessary information, but also creates trust within the family and a great model of communication in relationships with loved ones. Youth who feel comfortable discussing these topics with their parents are more likely to approach them with their questions and concerns. This reduces confusion about these issues and making wrong and potentially dangerous decisions. All of this includes addressing diversity in sexual orientation and identity, as well as respecting young people’s personal boundaries and desires.
Providing accurate information is another important aspect. Parents need to provide their children with up-to-date and reliable information about sexual health and prevention. This includes discussing topics such as contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Conclusion
Keeping up to date with issues relating to sex is essential for young people’s development. Through a combination of school programs and support at home, our children will have the knowledge and skills needed to have a satisfying and safe sex life. This approach not only reduces the risk of disease and unwanted pregnancy, but also promotes the development of healthy relationships and good self-esteem in young people. It is important to remember that sex education is not only about sex itself, but also about the emotional and psychological aspects involved – respect, communication and respect for people’s boundaries and personal preferences.
