Introduction of Sexuality Education Lessons in Public Elementary and High Schools
Sex education emphasizes the importance of being knowledgeable enough to take care of your health, defend your rights, and to be protected from sex-related dangers i.e., STIs and abuse. Being exposed to the concepts presented by sex education at an early age, does not encourage having sex. Instead, it increases awareness of the importance of reproductive health. It aims to empower and protect young people—adolescents, from potential abuse, discrimination, and violence. Borrowing UNESCO's words, sexuality education is “teaching and learning about the cognitive, emotional, physical and social aspects of sexuality. It aims to equip children and young people with knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that will empower them to: realize their health, well-being and dignity; develop respectful social and sexual relationships; consider how their choices affect their own well-being and that of others; and understand and ensure the protection of their rights throughout their lives.”
In the Philippines, there has been attempts to introduce sex education to adolescents. However, due to the stigma surrounding this topic and being in a conservative country, reluctance among parents and schools whose responsibility is to teach children beforehand makes it harder to implement. Still, there has been movements e.g., the government's integration of sex education in the school curriculum for K-12 students. In our locality, there has been programs that aim to educate everyone in the municipality on sex education and reproductive health.
References:
Joven, J. (2021, November 5). Do we actually have sex ed in Philippine schools? CNN. Retrieved September 2, 2022, from https://www.cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/Education/2021/11/5/sex-education-philippine-schools.html
Montemayor, M. T. (2019, April 4). Integrating sex education in schools to empower learners. Philippine News Agency. Retrieved September 2, 2022, from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066447
United Nations Educational, Cultural & Scientific Organization. (2018). International technical guidance on sexuality education – An evidence-informed approach. ISBN 978-92-3-100259-5, https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000260770