by bylili

Created on: May 25, 2007   Last Updated: March 28, 2012

Sex is a natural part of life, and a confronting reality for all children. Sex is everywhere in society today; on T.V, on the radio, in advertising, in music. Despite the efforts of many adults to keep children innocent and protect them from sex, the reality of it is that children are finding out about it sooner, and starting having it sooner than past generations.

Our children are more independent that they were before, and are being faced with many decisions about themselves and the world they live in. One of those decisions is sex, and I believe that our greatest protection for our children is arming them with knowledge so that they can make the best decision for them.

Some people ask why should this education be in schools? Isn't it the responsibility of the parents to provide this information for their children at a time that they judge to be correct? It's a very divisive issue. From my own sex education at home, I would agree with that. My mum was great with discussing it, and she provided me with some books to read and a video for me to find out about reproduction and how the body functioned. However a lot of parents feel embarrassed to talk about this with their children. Some parents may not have correct information, or enough information, or the right information, to adequately inform their child.

This is where education in the school can be a very useful source. Every child hears all of the information so that they have all the facts and warnings they need. In schools, the information would be complete, and in a setting that can reduce embarrassment. It would need to be ensured that it is free from religious prejudice, and political motivations. Preventing pregnancy must be stressed rather than termination; however, it cannot be omitted altogether.

What remains the right of the parent, in this issue, is to talk about the social and emotional side of sex; something that could never be adequately covered in a school sex ed class. Schools should cover the technical and legal side of the issue and parents the relationship side.

Whatever children are told about sex, they will continue as they have in the past to make up their own mind and their own way, away from, and in spite of, those who try to tell them otherwise. As children grow up, and make their own decisions, the least we can do for them is to provide them with what they need to make an informed decision. Knowledge will light their way.

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