A lot of stigma and taboo is attached to Sex Education. Sex is not about promiscuity. It is not obscene nor should it be considered a threat to ‘Indian values’. Sex Education in schools should help students, specially teenagers to understand the process and implications of sexual maturity, including the emotional, social and moral behaviour of early sexual activity.

Sexuality education is a process of obtaining information towards understanding and forming attitudes about relationships, sexual behaviour, reproductive health and gender roles and their behaviour. Sex education addresses the biological, socio–cultural, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of sexuality while taking into consideration respect towards cultural, ethnic and religious differences.

Sex education in the school curriculum can enlighten and allow young people to make informed discussions as ideas will manifest in ways that are positive and negative during childhood, this being an important aspect of adolescence.

Topics taught at primary school level are usually about relationships and family, growing up, the body and puberty before it begins. Schools can work with parents on how they would teach these topics.

Older children and teens should learn biological aspects of human reproduction, anatomy, puberty, properties of hormones and their association with fertility and how viruses can affect human health. Information about sexually transmitted infection (STIs), HIV/AIDS and subjects such as drug and alcohol awareness should be minimally taught.
Before conducting these programmes the following should be taken into account:

• The average age of children, their understanding and stage of development in a particular standard and grade.
• Work in partnership with parents
• Ensure procedures are in place to receive and address parents’ concerns.
• Consult with pupils
• Respect the different circumstances and needs of all young people

Topics to be considered:

• preparing both boys and girls for puberty
• preparing girls for menstruation before their periods start
• access to and information about contraceptive information, guidance and confidential services
• moral and emotional aspects of abortion and how to access a doctor or hospital when necessary
• risk of STIs, including HIV/AIDS, and information about prevention, diagnosis and treatment
• why safe sex is important

Relationship issues:

• developing an understanding of healthy relationships
• developing coping strategies to deal with challenging relationship issues
• exploring the qualities of relationships, including friendship
• assessing and managing risk in real–life relationships
• learning about the roles and responsibilities of parenting