What is Sex Education?

Sex education ideally involves education about the anatomy and physiology of the human reproductive system, conception, contraception, psycho-sexuality, sexual differences and the constituents of love as they relate to sexual behavior, and is not merely a discussion on how babies are made. It provides a background in which an individual develops into a healthy, responsible adult capable of using the innate sex instinct to the fullest potential, without being obsessed by it. It enables one to recognize and be comfortable with one’s sexuality.

Why is formal Sex Education necessary today?

Recently, due to the principally career oriented approach for economic independence the average age of marriage is delayed. Also with improvement in nutrition and health care, the average age of onset of puberty is earlier and the average life span is extended. Thus, the average potential sexual career of an individual is extended.

The social environment today, though orthodox and prudish, provides constant sexual stimulation. This conflict between sexual drives and social norms generates a tremendous amount of anxiety and sexual frustration, which may find expression as, increased promiscuity, casual sexual relationships, unwanted teenage pregnancies and an alarming increase in the incidence of sex crimes and sexually transmitted diseases. Rampant myths and misconceptions about sex further complicate the situation. This social problem can only be resolved through comprehensive sex education, which can increase social awareness and improve the social environment. Sex education should be formally incorporated into health education programs.