writing

RUNNING HEAD (Graduate Students Only) 1

5

Gender and Sex Education

Brittany Benjamin

ENGL106

06/22/2021

Gender and Sex Education

Teaching gender and sex education in schools have been a running debate for a long time. Gender and sex education programs focus on reproductive and sex learning together with concepts revolving around Gender. Some people feel that it is inappropriate to teach Gender and sex education in school and that it is the parents' job to teach their children Gender and sex education. However, Gender and sex education is as important as any other subject taught in school. Gender and sex education should be incorporated into the school curriculum to encourage children to know about their reproductive health and learn about safer ways, including reproductive practices and consent that will help them even in their adult life. Programs offering Gender and sex education are more effective than programs that do not teach these entities.

Comprehensive sex education goes beyond teaching reproduction and diseases that are spreadable through sexual activity. Although these are still important aspects of sex education, children learn about their body functioning, menstruation, puberty, and an essential topic that is rarely taught elsewhere consent. Sex education in schools teaches students how to recognize abuse (Rahman, 2021). This is especially important in a world where sexual abuse has become so common within society. Sex education teaches children the value of building respect for their bodies, together with others, and teaches boundaries and emotional well-being of individuals, which plays a significant role in the lives of these children. Sex and gender education belongs in the education curriculum because it provides platforms where children and their teachers hold conversations about personal and communication skills, gender roles, and how Gender and sex are portrayed in the media. From this aspect, children know what consent means and why it is essential.

According to UNESCO, many people receive confusing and conflicting information concerning sex and relationships during their childhood to adulthood transitioning (UNESCO, 2018). Comprehensive sex education in schools empowers children to make informed decisions concerning relationships and sex which will help them navigate a world where there are numerous problems, including gender inequality, gender-based violence, HIV//AIDS, and unwanted pregnancies. In addition, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases pose a risk to the population. Therefore children lacking high quality and age-appropriate sex and gender education are vulnerable to harmful sexual behaviors and exploitation.

Teaching gender and sex education in the classroom is beneficial for helping children adopt safe reproductive practices. Geber and sex education offers the basics around sex, including abstinence and other safer options for sex, such as using a condom. Although some people would argue that this type of education only encourages individuals to practice sex, it helps learners learn about the importance of playing safe. This knowledge goes further into their adult lives, where they can implement the safer practices taught rather than when they have no information about safe sex. Children learn what abstinence is and why it is essential for them. Additionally, contraceptives and all critical aspects concerning them are taught to students. This knowledge goes a long way in preventing early sex initiation, reckless sexual activities, HIV, unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections. Additionally, this knowledge rubs off o the community hence creating a safer and knowledgeable community.

Sex and gender education in schools is essential because it helps children gain knowledge on safer health practices, consent, and the risks associated with sex. Gender and sex education have positive effects on children's understanding and improve their studies relating to sexual and reproductive health and Gender. However, some people may argue otherwise by citing that sex and gender education only encourages children to practice sex at higher rates. However, beyond doubt, comprehensive sex and gender programs are more effective than programs that do not offer Gender and sex education.

References

Rahman, M.A. (2021). Sex Ed should be taught in schools. Here’s why. The Daily Star. https://www.thedailystar.net/shout/news/sex-ed-should-be-taught-schools-heres-why-2004997

UNESCO. (2018). Why comprehensive sexuality education is important. https://en.unesco.org/news/why-comprehensive-sexuality-education-important