Sex, yet a taboo prevailing in Indian Households isn’t it? Still talking about sex can make uncles and aunties uncomfortable or frown or even at times raise their eyebrows. We don’t understand why there is a need to shush people when it comes to talking about sex? Isn’t it a quite natural thing? Our society has been quite orthodox when it comes to educating about sex, hoping that children will learn about it themselves. But, in reality, is it true? Can children correctly learn about sex themselves? No right!!

What is Sex Education?

Sex education is a wider perspective of making people understand sexual orientation, sexual anatomy sexual reproduction, sexual intercourse, and other aspects of what comprises human sexual behavior. The purpose of sex education should be to encounter the numerous questions that youth possess. This discussion is important for several reasons: one to make them aware of what is right and wrong, second to educate them about the changes that their hormones portray, and finally to make them aware of pleasures.

Why is there a Need for Sex Education?

Sex is a natural aspect of life that occurs whether or not sex education is provided. Although sex is an integral part of being human, only about half of our states require sex and HIV education, and the majority of what is taught is inadequate. Just because we don't talk about sex doesn't mean it won't come up again. The importance of sex education cannot be overstated. It's been seen several times. We know that kids who received sex education in schools have indulged in safe sexual intercourse that too later than students who do not receive formal sex education.

Sex education does not encourage teens to have sex; on the contrary, it makes them understand about the same. Especially, in a country like India, there are so many cases related to unwanted pregnancies, rapes, and STDs, it is important to make people educate about sex education. One of the primary goals of sex education is to thoroughly examine healthy sexual behaviors and raise awareness about them. It not only ensures information but also leads to better attitudes about reproductive health and behavior. Given that today's age has easy access to the internet and is readily mislead by disinformation, the necessity for sex education becomes even more critical.

As a result, it is critical to provide sex education so that people have accurate information and understanding on topics such as safe sex, contraception, and sexually transmitted illnesses, among others. Lastly, Sex education encompasses everything from educating young girls on period concerns, contraception, and vaginal care to teaching males about consent, condom usage, and teen sex. It educates men and women not to conform to gender stereotypes and also about sexuality, which goes beyond the pre-established norms.

How can we go about it?

In the whole blog, we have talked about how educating people about sex is important but the question arises how can we educate about sex education? What is the right time to educate? We believe that sex is a sensitive topic so it is better if students are educated in their teen years in presence of their parents and teachers. This would make things more easy and transparent. Apart from that, they could also be educated through some role plays or some workshops.

Talking about sex can be challenging and complicated. Yet, we need to be conscious and make sure to spread awareness about the need for sex education !!