We were discussing sex education, which of course led to other tangents which became discussions of their own. I posted this on the original topic yesterday, in response to an allegation that nothing of any significance could be taught in a sex education class. As is usually the case with on-topic posts, nobody responded; just for the hell of it, I will repeat myself here, and give the multitude another chance....
We can teach basic reproductive biology - and you'd be surprised how many adults remain ignorant of the basic biological realities surrounding sex. There is a great deal that we can teach about reproductive health that has nothing to do with "shock factor fear", not that a little reasonable fear of common diseases is at all a bad thing to communicate. We can provide an opportunity for students to talk to single parents, to teen mothers, to AIDS and other STD patients,and learn firsthand what the consequences of sexual irresponsibility can be.
Personally, I think sex education should also encompass discussion of the psychological and emotional climate that surrounds sex and relationships. Reading and discussion of works of quality fiction, biography, autobiography, that deal with relationships and their sexual component can do a lot of good in helping people to deal with their own perceptions - and those of others - in a non-threatening way. A lot of teenagers have a hard time coming to grips with physical desire, emotional uncertainty, and the interface between the two; they often have little input from outside and feel as if they are operating in a vacuum. Looking seriously at what others have felt, what others have done, and the consequences of the actions of others can help anyone to understand what they feel and why.
Obviously, schools aren't going to do a perfect job at this. Some will do better than others. I don't think that any harm would come of it even if it is done badly, and a good deal of good can come out of it if it is done well. Certainly I think it deserves a try.
|
