Human Sexuality Essay, Research Paper

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Sex Education

“HIGH SCHOOLS MUST PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH ADEQUATE SEX EDUCATION BECAUSE IGNORANCE CAN BE HARMFUL”

The largest gap 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 knowledge 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 ignorance does”.