Whenever we talk about sex education the first thing people think of is sex, but is that all there is to it?
Contrary to popular belief sex education is a vast branch of knowledge where sex comprise only a small part.
On this World Health Day (7 April) which is being celebrated with the theme “My health, my right” let us take a look at sex education, which is imperative to ensure our sexual rights.
So, what is there in sex education?
Human anatomy, puberty, gender identity, consent, sexually transmitted diseases as well as providing resources for youths to seek support are only a few of the topics covered in sex education and we as a nation are lagging behind.
Our adolescents lack the knowledge to understand the changes puberty puts them through, which leave them confused and alone. Teaching sex education in an age-appropriate and holistic manner helps lessen their burden by allowing them to understand what they are going through.
We have to remember that healthcare, which is considered a basic human right, also includes the proper dissemination of necessary information.
How do developed nations do it?
The Global Education Monitoring Report 2023, published by UNESCO, revealed that sexual education at the primary level is compulsory in 68% of studied countries, while 76% teach it compulsorily at the secondary level of education.
Bangladesh falls in none of them but the section under the chapter Manob Shorir or “The Human Body” which has been included in the sixth grade textbook is a step in the right direction.
Most developed nations such as the UK, Canada, Netherlands among others, typically take a comprehensive and standardised approach to sex education that is often integrated into school curricula and supported by governmental policies and initiatives.
These programmes receive support from healthcare professionals, educators, policymakers, and advocacy groups who recognise its importance in promoting sexual health, reducing risky behaviours, and supporting individuals in making informed choices about their bodies and relationships.
The Netherlands is often cited as a model for comprehensive sex education, where it is compulsory and is taught from an early age.
The curriculum emphasises open communication, consent, contraception, and respect for diversity.
Dutch sexual education programmes have been associated with lower rates of teen pregnancy, STIs, and sexual violence.
In most countries where sex education is mandatory, it is integrated into the curriculum and covers a wide range of topics including anatomy, puberty, contraception, STIs, consent, relationships and LGBTQ+ issues.
What sex education entails
Now, on to a more detailed discussion on the topics that make up sexual education.
Understanding anatomy: This involves the basics of human anatomy, including both male and female reproductive systems. Younglings can often get confused about their reproductive organs, not knowing what is “normal”. They can often experience body dysmorphia, a mental health disorder where an individual becomes so worried about the way their body looks to the point it interferes with their ability to function normally.
Children can often fail to recognise the need to seek medical help in case of disease or injury. This is where sex education comes in, teaching children about their body parts, their functions, and how they contribute to sexual activity and reproduction.
Recognising sexual abuse: By teaching children about their bodies and telling them about social cues to identify good touch and bad touch, we can save them the torment of going through sexual abuse. Even if they are subjected to it, we can lessen their burden by teaching them beforehand what to do in situations like that, who to seek help from.
Consent and boundaries: Children need to be taught from a young age about the importance of consent in all sexual interactions. Knowing how to recognise and respect personal boundaries and those of their partners is an important factor in leading happier lives.
Puberty and reproduction: Adolescence can be a scary time for anyone, especially when the changes that they might experience come as a surprise. It is important to explain to them what physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty while ensuring they know these are like any other process of growing up.
For adolescent boys, raging hormones are a bane, but we do not see much talk about it. As hard it is for young girls to cope with physiological changes brought on by puberty, such as menstruation, hormonal imbalances and sudden, rapid growth; young boys also have their set of changes they have to cope with which include growing facial and body hair, voice deepening, increased sexual desire due to hormonal spikes, wet dreams and more. There needs to be open discussions about these issues in an age-appropriate manner.
Menstrual hygiene is a burning issue in this country, which can be tackled by teaching the best practices through sex education.
One of the most common and difficult-to-answer questions children ask is how babies are born. This is something sex education also tackles..
Contraception and STIs: Trying to force abstention is not an effective countermeasure, instead it is imperative to give people the knowledge about safe sex so they at least know what to do rather than putting themselves in harm’s way.
Students should be educated about various contraceptive methods, their effectiveness, and how to use them correctly as well as informed about the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), their prevention, testing, and treatment.
Sexual orientation and gender identity: The biological gender of a person may be different from their gender identity (the gender they identify with). Sex education plays an important role in fostering understanding and accepting the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities. We have to address common misconceptions and promote inclusivity and respect for all individuals.
Pornography and media literacy: Sex education also teaches critical thinking skills regarding media portrayals of sex and relationships, including pornography. It helps individuals understand the differences between fantasy and reality and encourage healthy attitudes towards sexuality.
Communication skills: This kind of education is also meant to provide the tools for effective communication about sexual desires, boundaries, and concerns. It encourages open dialogue with partners and healthcare providers.
Sexual pleasure and satisfaction: It is important to discuss the importance of pleasure and satisfaction in sexual experiences, while also encouraging exploration, self-awareness, and mutual pleasure in sexual relationships.
Healthy relationships: Sex education also entails discussions on the components of a healthy relationship, such as communication, trust, and mutual respect. Relationships are more than just physical connections, emotional connections play an important role in long-term companionship.
Online safety: Educating people about the risks associated with online sexual activity, such as cyberbullying, sexting, and exposure to explicit content also comes under the purview of sex education. Sex education is there to provide guidance on maintaining privacy and safety online.
Seeking support and resources: Despite feeling the need to seek help, people often don’t know where to go or who to turn to. Education on these matters allows individuals to be informed about sources of support, including healthcare providers, counsellors, and sexual health organisations. It also encourages those seeking help for any questions, concerns, or issues related to sexuality to reach out instead of hiding their problems.
In Bangladesh, Marie Stopes Bangladesh and Surjer Hashi Network are few of the places which provide information as well as treatment relating to sexual health.
In a country where rape is rampant and sexual abuse a commonplace experience, holistic and inclusive sex education is important.
It’s essential to create a safe and supportive environment for discussing sensitive topics, while also empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.