Essay/Term paper: Importance of sex education

Essay, term paper, research paper:  Sex

"HIGH SCHOOLS MUST PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH ADEQUATE SEX EDUCATION BECAUSE IGNORANCE CAN BE HARMFUL" The largest gulf of understanding still remains between the parents and the youth especially in the area of sexuality. Sex is a natural part of life, and when questions arise, they can be discussed in a matured way without condoning certain behavior. Relying to that, we realize that sex education is important to be inserted in a person"s life. Therefore, sex education in high schools is very necessary for youngsters to acquire information, form attitudes, beliefs and values about identity, relationships and intimacy. Sex education also encompasses sexual development, affection, body image and gender roles. In other words, it is about learning how we grow, reproduce and change over the years. It also includes a positive view of sex and the safety involved on sexuality. Regarding to the importance of sex education, I want to state my stand here that I strongly agree that "High schools must provide young people with adequate sex education because ignorance can be harmful! ". Sex education in high schools helps young people to be more prepared for life changes such as puberty, menopause and aging. Sex education can develop skills and self esteem to help students enter adolescence. It helps them in knowing that the sudden few changes are okay and normal. For example, girls would not get shocked, panic and afraid at their first menstruation once they already had the knowledge about it. Young people can also learn to appreciate and recognize their own sex: bodies just as good, beautiful and special as other God"s perfect creations. Moreover, it delivers confidence on them to value themselves and others. Sex education helps them understand the place of sexuality in human life and loving other people. They will learn to enjoy their sexuality, behave responsibly within their sexual and personal relationships. Youngsters are usually very curious to know all new things that came up to them especially abstract things such as sex. Despite that, sex education plays a major role in addressing concerns and correcting the misunderstandings that the youngsters may have gained from sources such as the media and their peers. In addition, they will learn to make decisions that respect themselves and others by taking account the possible consequences. For instance, youngsters will be more matured, responsible and social ills can also be reduced. Furthermore, research had shown that children that are subjected to sex education are more apparent to practice safer sex. Some people might say that sex education could influence premarital marriage, leading to the increment of unwanted pregnancies. Conversely, a survey done in 1987 had shown that girls who were not educated about menstruation and sexual activity were much more likely to become pregnant during their teen years. There was also a statement from the Government Review of National and International Research in London that identified high school sex education as being effective in reducing teenage pregnancies. Based on the facts given, it clearly proves that sex education does not lead youngsters to social ills such as unwanted pregnancies. However, a slight problem might arise since sex education might be a new subject or program in most high schools. Therefore, the program should be planned carefully in conjunction with those who will participate and the parents. The program instructors also ought to receive adequate training and equipped with the required skills and knowle! dge to support the personal and social development of young people through sex education. In conclusion, we must realize the importance of sex education being taught in high schools to students. This is to ensure the students that are our future generations will be well prepared to stand up against all the unexpected obstacles in their future. After all, "Education does not hurt, but ignorant does". Written by, HAZHAR BIN MUHAMAD HANIP Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 15.10.1998 19 years old