The S Word

It is based on reality (Realism) that today's youth were engaging in premarital sex (sexual intercourse out of marriage). 

Some questions that surface with regards to sex education is this- Does sex education in school encourage a teenager to have sex? Well, it may or it may not. It depends largely on the upbringing and environment of the student. 

 

If basic knowledge about the topic is being taught at home by parents, there's a small chance that teens would be encouraged to engage in early sex because they're aware of its consequences. Since they were already familiar with the different sexual terms at home, the moment they hear it outside their place or in school, it'll be an ordinary thing and does not awaken any curiosity within them.

On the other hand, students whose family did not even bother to teach them basic knowledge on sex education tend to be encouraged to have sex at an early age. While the topic of sex education is being discussed in school, it might tickle their minds since it’s their first time to hear or view such things. According to studies, more often than not, teens that came from a family where sex is a forbidden topic to talk were more likely to be encouraged to have premarital sex out of curiosity.

However, some claims that passing the burden of the parents to the teachers in educating their children about sex is certainly not a good idea. It is a basic education that parents are the most in authority, most responsible to provide information about it to their children. But, it seems most of the parents failed to provide this basic responsibility. In fact sex, most of the time is a no-no topic in the so-called Christian homes in the country. 

Sex education should start the moment a child enters the age of puberty. Some families are bold enough to start this within their household, but for the most part, Filipino families do not discuss these things around the "dinner table". Simply said, this topic is still taboo. 

Some believed it should be taught not on elementary but on high school level, especially at first or second year. It should be taught were girls and boys are in a separate room, female teacher to female student and a male teacher to male student. In that way, a student will not feel timid or intimidated when they want to ask a question. A married teacher will be better for they've been there.

But over-all or in general, sex education in school doesn’t encourage teens to have sex. To some extent, sex education in school may somehow encourage teens to engage in early sex activities if, and only if the parents didn't do their part in educating their kids about it.

Images: Smitten With Him

Realism, BLOGGING101, ENG04, October 2010