Almost every other day, we hear or read about the problems related to the newly adopted policy of introducing sex education in primary schools. Like this article ("It will instigate free sex") and this one titled "Sex education in Primary Schools - Govt in Soup" that appeared 2 days ago, indicate, clearly there is a huge taboo in our society associated with open discussion of these issues that needs to be dealt with.
As one of the articles suggests, the organizations protesting against this curriculum have little knowledge of what exactly is going to be discussed and how. "Interestingly, none of them have any information on the proposed study material for these special lectures. While some say that nude models will be used to teach the subject, others felt that a UNICEF handbook – facilitator’s Handbook of Peer Educators — endorsed by the National Aids Control Organisation will be the last word on the subject."
I guess one strategy would be to clear all the misconceptions of the curriculum and educate parents on exactly what this curriculum is and how it will be shared with students.
As a parent, I too, feel squeamish about discussing sex-related issues with my children, even though I try to do the informed and appropriate thing and not close the subject abruptly without giving my children some answer that I feel seems appropriate, and I am truly thankful to the school I send my children to, for introducing the curriculum on sex education in std. 5 & 6 - as a part of the science curriculum.
It is in this context that I found the writings of award-winning documentary film-maker couple Meenakshi and Vinai Rai on this blog, to be very useful, as they share how they have discussed and dealt with these important, but sensitive, and at times uncomfortable, issues, with their child (in the series titled "Am I Right?").
It would be nice to hear what others have to say about this. I think there could be useful links made to HIV/AIDS (which is, of course, one of the main reason for the new policy on mandatory sex education), as well as societal issues such as gender inequality (for older students).
i read one article written by meenakshi and vinai rai in the series titled "am i right"...
today even movies like 'rockford' and 'monsoon wedding' have dealt with sensitive subjects like incest and paedophilia with superb subtlety..as parents we need to realise that in such cases ignorance is never bliss..
we owe a huge responsibility to our growing children..what needs to be realised by every parent is that howsoever uncomfortable the issue may be..it can always be brought up as a healthy conversation between mothers and daughters or fathers and their sons..maybe as part of a discussion about the movie.the beginning of sex education can start at home where the child feels most comfortable..they should be encouraged to ask questions and as parents there may be times when its next to impossible to answer every query that makes us uneasy...but realise how grateful they will be to you for sharing such vital education with them...