It’s more than just sex, say experts
The term ‘sex education’ tends to undermine the relevance of education on sexuality for some, especially as an intrinsic part of school curriculum, experts believe.
The term ‘sex education’ tends to undermine the relevance of education on sexuality for some, especially as an intrinsic part of school curriculum, experts believe.
“The word sex education is a problem. It should be called something like family life education. People need to understand that sex education is not about telling children how to have sex. It rather deals more with the emotional aspect of the act,” believed Dr Samir Parikh, chief of the department of mental health and behavioural sciences, Fortis Hospitals.
Sex education is important and necessary because it helps a growing child deal with the concept of his/her body image.
“A child should be comfortable in his or her own skin. Respecting limits; creating boundaries; understanding the responsibility of attaching your sentiments with others, etc. One must understand that the sexual angle is just a part of the entire process,” said a senior doctor from the department of psychiatry at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
According to experts, in today’s age of the Internet, it is foolish to believe that a child is ignorant and this kind of curriculum, if taught appropriately by experts who are well-trained, cannot propagate promiscuous behaviour.
“Let us admit, in adolescences we have more problems in life due to relationships than due to academics,” said Dr Parikh.
Agrees Anjalai Gopalan, founder and executive director The Naz Foundation Trust — an organization that fights against HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country — too believes that it is the right of every young person to make an informed choice.