Comprehensive Sex Education vs Abstinence-only Sex Education – which is better?

Introduction

In India, for the very first time a comprehensive sex education is going to be taught in public schools in New Delhi: however there is a catch – it’s not called “sex education’ but “Health and Wellness Curriculum’ which was developed by the incumbent NDA led modi government & launched on febuary 12. Accordingly, NCERT has come up with a program for classes 6 to 10. In India a topic which was hidden in the shadows and was only revealed in the bated breath & among the hidden glares of embarrassed mothers, sex education has taken a huge leap. 

Related: How to understand your period blood

In India, only 48% of menstruating girls are aware of periods prior to having their first one. The health & wellness which is being taught at public schools shall consist of information about the reproductive system as well as about using contraceptives and allied methods. This brings into the limelight a very controversial issue where one side of the faction insist on Comprehensive Sexuality Education while the latter half insist on Abistinence only Sex Education. 

In this article we shall take a discuss Comprehensive Sex Education Vs Abstinence only Sex Education – what it entails, its features and advise parents & sexuality educators on the correct teaching method for children & adolescents.

Abstinence-Only Sex Education

Abstinence only sex education has been in the middle of controversy. Proponents argue that abstinence only sex education teaches sexual responsibility to youngsters while the critics argue that this form of sex education is highly illogical, not backed up by data & research and is motivated by religious agenda. In abstinence sex education, it is taught not to have sexual intercourse – outside of marriage while at the same time omitting certain important aspect to be taught such as sexual & reproductive sex, birth control, safe sex etc. In this education adolescent are wrongly taught that avoiding sexual intercourse is the surest method of not contracting Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and Pregnancy.

Systematic review of research evaluating the effectiveness of abstinence only sex education has found it to be highly ineffective against STIs and pregnancy. Moreover, the American Academy of Pediatrician has strongly recommended against using this type of method

Related: 3 Reasons to teach Sex Education to your child

Comprehensive Sex Education

Comprehensive Sex Education is a teaching methodology which teaches kids the needed knowledge, attitude and skills to make appropriate and healthy choices in their sexual and non-sexual life. CSE curriculum and teachers teach topics such as age of consent, safe sex, contraception, birth pills and everything included in Abstinence Sex Education. The most widely agreed benefit of Comprehensive Sex Education over Abstinence Sex Education is the fact that CSE acknowledge that children of today will be sexually active in the future. Hence, no false expectation or charade is put on and a more inclusive and open environment is nurtured, where children are free to ask their parents and trusted elders anything and everything about Sex and Body without shame or embarrassment. 

CSE consist of everything from Love, respect, empathy, menstruation to Contraceptives, safe sex, sexual crimes. It is a comprehensive set of real life skills which every child should be imbued with in order to raise a more responsible and empowered future generation of leaders.

Related: Teaching your child about good touch & bad touch

What Should Be Taught To Children?

At Ioza Learning, our expert educators insist parents and children to learn Comprehensive Sex Education over Abstinence sex Education. CSE possesses a ton of benefits when compared to their counterparts. The ideal age of teaching children about sex, body, bad touch good touch etc. can be started after 3–4 years of age. During that period, teach children about boundaries, empathy, good touch & bad touch. By age 8 to 10, children should be acquainted with marriage, bodily function, parenting, love, lust, consent etc. By age 13 to 18 children should be taught about STDs, Safe Sex and sexual crimes etc.

Related: Everything you need to know about periods.

About Ioza Learning:

Educating young girls & boys about periods is an absolute necessity in this day & age and in this country. To eliminate period taboo and sensitize boys against the monthly pain of girls, it is absolutely essential to impart this valuable education. We provide parents all over the world with affordable and world-class live hobby classes for their child. In India, Ioza Learning is the largest provider of Live Online Classes with Certificate on Sexual & Menstrual health for ages 8 to 18. Be a part of this powerful education, here

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