Sex education
Issues like rape, sexual abuse of boys and girls, STD/AIDS, abortions, etc., need to be addressed urgently. For this, it is important to make our children aware of what sex is. They have to get proper information on it. A curriculum that will not offend the sensibilities of Bangladeshis should include the scientific, social, and religious aspects of sex. Not all parents can discuss sex openly with their children. The school environment is ideal. Moreover, notwithstanding the recent study on child abuse, I believe that the solution for it does not lie in sex education. It lies in imparting moral values and handing out severe punishment to the perpetrators of crimes against children. Sex education will not help in preventing perversion. What is actually needed is the revival of moral science as a compulsory subject from class X. Lessons on good habits, duties of the individual to the family, society and the country and so on can be included in the syllabus. It is only by strengthening the moral values and character of individuals that a society can be saved from human predators. So, let us concentrate on educating the adults.
On the other hand/alternatively, instead of directly introducing sex education in schools, it would perhaps be better to introduce comprehensive health education. It can deal with the causes, effects, and prevention of all diseases. Through this programme, behavioural aspects can be addressed. The cultural context needs to be borne in mind while implementing a public policy. People have problem in allowing their children to learn about sexual issues openly. Why not call them health issues and tactfully handle them in schools?
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments