I came across this news today http://patnadaily.com/index.php/news/latest-news/2636-protest-against-sex-education-in-schools.html

Sex has been a taboo word in our society. People have different view points on the subject. Those who are opposing sex education in schools/ colleges say that the idea is imported from west and it does not go well with our social ethos. Teenage pregnancy and Sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS is a common cite in western society, while India being a closed society does not face such problem at large. Also they argue that this will promote promiscuity among youngsters and if at all its implemented teachers will be too embarrassed to take up the subject with students.

The issue is very sensitive; those who are opposing are not doing it just for nothing. India has two types of India within it. One is modern, outgoing, open and comfortable with west and western values i.e. the metro India while other part of India is conservative and closed.

In Metros especially, it’s not uncommon to see unwanted pregnancy and STDs among school/ college going teenagers. My doctor friends tell that many teenage girls visit them for abortion very frequently.

Don’t you think this could have been avoided if they were given some correct training / knowledge about sex? Why there is so much of noise in explaining human anatomy if it helps reduce dreaded diseases like AIDS? People fear that this education curriculum includes vulgarity and promote promiscuity, on the contrary I feel it will help them break their myths about their body and sex.In the first place this all can be imparted to students in a very decent way. Also I feel this education first should start at home, but sadly parents themselves shy away from discussing this topic with their kids. What will the kids do? They will go on their own exploring it in their own possible way. And result- unwanted pregnancy, diseases etc.

In rural areas may be its too early to implement such education as there is still very less interaction between girls and boys, and there would not be many co-education schools there. But even then parents should open up with their kids on the subject and encourage them to ask questions.

What’s your view?