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The age of modernization and progress has virtually opened a Pandora’s Box of opportunities and choices for youth today. This makes the need for sex education among the youth necessary. The youngsters are unpredictable and the risk-taking streak makes them more vulnerable. Sex education or let me rephrase it, “Reproductive Health Education” is a very controversial issue in Pakistan. Sex is a word that will instantly make your character questionable if you say it out loud in Pakistan. It is nonsensical that foreign companies are coming forward to give children from rural areas sex education and the Government of Pakistan is still shy about the subject. But with the increasing number of sex crimes in this country has made Sex Ed necessary.
As far as sex education for youth is concerned, one does see an obvious increase in unwanted pregnancies, miscarriages, abortions, and STDs. This statistical evidence also proves how unaware the youth are in terms of risking their lives. Precautionary measure is the need of the hour. One must know how to tackle the restlessness of the youth and channelize their energies to a more meaningful direction. Sex education will also expose them to their gender identity, family responsibility, body images, sexual expression, intimacy and the marriage relationship.
Sex education basics may be covered in health classes. Awkward as it may be, sex education is a parent’s responsibility. By reinforcing and supplementing what your kid learns, you can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy sexuality.
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When was the last time you used calculus? Unless you’re an engineer or scientist I would be willing to bet it was that awful class in 12th grade. Imagine if your parents could have opted you out of that. What if they could have just signed a sheet of paper and excused you from that unit of math? Well, as terrible as calculus is, it’s still important. Maybe you don’t use it every day, but it’s useful at times and sex education is the same way. Even if you don’t plan to be sexually active, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t learn about sex, anatomy, contraceptives, and the other topics that makeup sex education. Sex education is just as important as calculus, so why can we opt out of one but not the other? Knowledge is for everyone, and sex education shouldn’t be limited to certain people because of their parents’ views. Access to comprehensive, medically accurate sex education is a human right. Sex education basics may be covered in health class, but your kid might not hear — or understand — everything he or she needs to know to make tough choices about sex. That’s where you come in.
Sex education is not only for western society but also very important for the society we live in.
Here are some ideas to help you get started — and keep the discussion going.
- Seize the moment
- Be honest
- Be direct
- Consider your kid’s point of view
- Move beyond the facts
- Invite more discussions
Sex is a natural part of life, and it happens with or without sex education. It is a fundamental part of being human, but less than half of our mindsets require sex and HIV education, and most of what is taught is sub-par. Just because we refuse to talk about sex doesn’t mean it’s just going to go away. Various risky behaviors among youth, such as forced sex, indulging in pornography, physical abuse can lead to early pregnancies. This should form the vital part helping the youth to understand the unethical and inhuman aspect of such behaviors. Make the youth understand, through intensive training programmes, the importance of self-worth. Random sexual acts can cause irreparable damage to the human body. Every individual should learn to understand the worth of life. Another important point within sex education is to teach the youth about personal hygiene.
