NEED FOR SEX EDUCATION ~ by sarangana

 Current information show that adolescents are inadequately informed regarding their own sexuality, physical wellbeing and their health, the major source of

information being the media and peers. Whatever knowledge they have is incomplete and confused. Low rate of educational attainments, limited sex education activities, and inhibited attitudes towards sex , attenuate this ignorance leading to unwanted pregnancy, illegal abortion, mortality and morbidity among young girls. Most of the people aren’t aware about ‘MARITAL RAPE’. According to many people there’s no such thing as ‘marital rape’ everything is alright after marriage...this is what mostly everyone believes in. Even when there is a law regarding MARITAL RAPE in India.

Knowledge differs based on gender, education, and place of residence with uneducated rural girls having the least information. Interviews with boys and girls reveal an inherent gender bias in relations, and a double standard favouring boys prevails. In our societies, ‘good’ girls are not supposed to know about sex, thus forbidding girls from seeking information.

It can create a more inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ community and promote gender equality. Thus , everyone will be more aware about their gender and their rights.

A study conducted by Family Planning Association of India in 1991 among teenagers, showed that about one-fourth of the respondents expressed their acceptance of premarital sexual contact, indicative of the trends that are emerging in Indian society (FPAI: 1992). A survey done with 959 adolescent girls on the issues of sexuality shows that regardless of age and education all the subjects have expressed the need for the introduction of sexuality education into academic curriculum . Another study in rural Maharashtra way back in 1989 conducted by SEARCH, reveals that nearly half of the unmarried girls had sexual intercourse, indicating the need to provide sexual health education even in the villages. The low social and economic status of women and girls in India and their high rates of illiteracy and ignorance about sex and reproductive physiology make them particularly vulnerable to STDs and RTIs.

What’s the purpose and content of sex education?

•   Sex is normal : It’s a deep, powerful instinct at the core of our survival as a species. Sexual desire is a healthy drive, and having a good sex life (quite apart from procreation) is an important part of adult happiness and self- esteem.

•   Sex without education can harm people : Sadly, it’s sometimes one- sided, exploitative, traumatizing, even life-threatening. A surprising number of people have had bad experiences with sex, including harassment, abuse, rape, and contracting sexually transmitted diseases, all of which can do lifelong damage.

 

•   Many people have difficulty talking about sex : Euphemisms, slang, and jokes are common when people are misinformed, awkward, embarrassed, or ashamed.

•   Adolescence is tricky : Twenty-first-century Americans reach puberty almost 10 years before society considers it acceptable to have intercourse. Teenagers have strong sexual urges and are bombarded with cultural messages (Just do it!). Dealing with sexual desire is one of teens’ most challenging tasks.

•   Early sex is risky : Two characteristics of adolescence are a sense of invulnerability and underdeveloped executive function. These result in many teens becoming sexually active without thinking through short- and long-term consequences.

•   Values matter : Some areas are controversial, like premarital sex and abortion , but there’s almost universal agreement on the following values: Sexual exploitation of children is wrong. Sex should always be consensual. Knowledge and open communication are good, ignorance and dishonesty are bad. Sex is best in a relationship that combines passion, intimacy, and commitment. Marriage is a strong institution in which to raise children.

•   Assertiveness is an important life skill : Many young people will be tempted, pressured, or forced to have sex that is harmful. Knowing how to avoid and/or deal with such situations is crucial.