According to an article by Commissioner for Human Rights (2020), sexuality is a part of our lives. Opening people's minds at an early age can help them understand the deeper meaning of the comprehensive information regarding sexuality, given that it is broad. Giving sex education lessons to elementary and high school adolescents can help them to know more about reproductive health. Sexuality education does not mean encouraging them to have sex; instead, it allows them to understand how to be safe and protected, especially regarding violence and abuse. UNESCO stated, "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 well-being and that of others, and understand and ensure the protection of their rights throughout their lives." in which they are focusing on the idea that sexuality education can build an inclusive society. In this generation, wherein children can access social media, it is essential to teach them about sexuality as social media can convey a bad image of sexuality. Also, it is their stage where they are curious and conscious about their bodies. Moreover, sexuality education can prevent sexual abuse, violence, and exploitation of adolescents. In addition, sexuality education can help individuals to practice safe sex so that the cases of HIV/Aids and/or STIs can be lowered.
The Philippines has implemented the teaching of sex education in the regions where there are high cases of teenage pregnancy. Teaching sexuality education in the Philippines is quite challenging, but it is remarkable that we are making slow progress. There will always be a social stigma and construct when discussing sexuality, virginity, and being sexually active. Thus, strong empowerment is a great help to make sexuality education a right to be known as a benefit for all. Not breaking the stigma will only cause prolonged suffering of being unconscious about sexuality.
References
Commissioner for Human Rights. (2020, July 21). Comprehensive sexuality education protects children and helps build a safer, inclusive society. The Council of Europe. Retrieved September 4, 2022, from https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/comprehensive-sexuality-education-protects-children-and-helps-build-a-safer-inclusive-society