Sex education: A key to unlocking healthy futures?
The period of adolescence could be described as one of the most challenging periods in the life of any human.
As adolescents navigate the complex and often confusing world of puberty, they face a daunting reality: inadequate sex education can have lifelong consequences. From unplanned pregnancies to sexually transmitted diseases, the risks are real.
Yet, despite the importance of Comprehensive Sex Education, many young people remain ill-informed, relying on whispers, rumors, and misinformation in an attempt to seek help. It’s time for parents, educators, and policymakers to take action and prioritize the sexual health and well-being of the next generation.
The PPAG programme experience
As I reflected on my own experiences with sex education at an exclusive training session on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) designed specifically for journalists in the Greater Accra Region recently organised by the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), I realized that the challenges my parents faced years ago in educating me on the subject are still present today.
The training was aimed at among others enhancing media awareness in SRHR reporting, equipping the journalists with the knowledge and tools to effectively cover key issues affecting reproductive health rights and policies.
The PPAG is a non-governmental organisation with a mission to provide quality SRHR services, promote reproductive rights, and support the overall well-being of individual families, and communities.
During the coffee break, I shared my story about how my parents educated me on sex with some colleagues, and we discussed how our parents approached the topic. We also talked about how we, as parents ourselves, are now navigating these conversations with our own children.
The need for more effort towards helping adolescents
Interestingly, I noticed one thing was certain throughout the conversation which was the fact that, providing adolescents and those who are younger with age-appropriate sex education was not receiving the desired attention even though it was crucial for their physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Misconceptions and Misunderstandings
One of my own experiences with the subject of SRHR stood out and that was when I was between the ages of 10 and 12 years, my father told me that sleeping with someone of the opposite sex could lead to pregnancy. I remember he said that with a stern look on his face which meant he was serious about it.
However, even though he emphasized the caution he failed to explain what “sleeping” meant in that context, leaving me confused and terrified. In my little mind, I took it to mean that simply sleeping in the same room beside a boy could result in an unplanned pregnancy.
The education which was clearly meant to equip me with more knowledge about the subject, obviously failed to achieve its objective as it rather led to misconception and further unnecessary fear and anxiety.
Why Comprehensive Education Matters
Luckily, my older sister intervened months later, when I found myself spending the night in my bothers room because we had been having a long conversation and dosed off. When I woke up, I panicked because I was scared that I had slept in a room with boys and so, I was going to get pregnant.
My sister sensing my confusion, shared her own knowledge on the subject by further explaining how pregnancy occurred alleviating my fears. Her science class teacher had given them comprehensive education on reproduction and reproductive health earlier, which made all the difference.
This experience highlighted the importance of providing accurate and comprehensive information about sex and relationships. It should be more interactive and conversational and not combative as many parents may have done over the years.
Cultural and Social Factors
A colleague shared a similar story about her paternal aunt, who explained that “pregnancy could occur whenever the penis and vagina came together.” This straightforward approach helped my colleague to understand the basics of reproduction and also the clear dos and don’ts to prevent teenage pregnancy.
She said being armed with that clear information made her aware of how to avoid getting into such a situation as she was bent on being the best in her class and becoming a successful lawyer.
However, another colleague’s story highlighted the cultural and social factors that could influence sex education. His mother had told his sisters that allowing a male to see their underwear or vagina could result in pregnancy.
This misconception led to unnecessary fear and anxiety and so, one day when she climbed a tree and she noticed a boy in her neighbourhood who was passing under the tree had seen her up there and even her panties, she felt doomed. She was convinced she was going to be pregnant. She said she had been worried for days which thankfully, he class teacher noticed.
When the teacher enquired what could be the matter and she shared what was eating her up, her teacher used the incident to educate her and even the entire class about the issue and that was how she received her education on the topic.
Breaking the Cycle
These stories illustrate the challenges of sex education and the importance of providing accurate and comprehensive information if as a society, we want to get the best out of our children.
As parents and guardians we must tackle this matter with all the seriousness it deserves to break the cycle of misconceptions and misunderstandings that have been passed down through generations. By doing so, we can empower our children to make informed decisions about their health, well-being, and future.
The Importance of Comprehensive Sex Education
It is a well known fact that, one of the most challenging conversations to have with your child is about sex. However, avoiding this conversation if delayed could have severe consequences on the child and even by extension on the parent. This is because among other facts, no parent would like his or her child to be described as one that has gone wayward.
An adolescent’s opinion
“I don’t know why parents become so aggressive when giving us education of sex. They do not even allow you to ask questions. They only tell us what to do without thinking about our feelings” a 15 year old shares.
He said it was disappointing that the approach used by his parents were the same used by most of the parents of his peers.
“We have a lot of fears we want to discuss with adults when we experience changes in our bodies but no one wants to listen to us and it is not fair. They tell us what is a sin but usually do not tell us how to overcome it. It is not fair at all” he said.
The adolescent asked for a more suitable approach when it came to comprehensive sexual education as that was more like to help achieve its aim.
He commended teachers who had stepped in to fill the vacuum created by many parents saying that had been timely.
A parent’s divergent opinion
Meanwhile, a parent Charles John Agbeko in an interview has expressed fears that starting a comprehensive sex education for adolescents or even those who were younger was “too early.”
He said he had education on sex when he was 18 and at the time he was matured and could understand things better “but if you suggest we do this earlier, you will only be putting ideas in their young minds. You will only be telling them what they have never thought about and you will make them promiscuous” he said.
Mr. Agbeko also disagreed that sex education should not come with threats “if you don’t threaten them, they will go and do what you said they shouldn’t do” he said sternly.
In an interview with an Advocacy Coordinator for the PPAG Michael Tagoe, he advised that parents should be intentional about educating their children and wards about SRHR. He said it was not something anybody could just refuse to do and wish that things get done by themselves. Parents have been encouraged to make time to provide their children with comprehensive sex education.
Don’t Shy Away from the Topic
Mr. Tagoe emphasized that parents should not shy away from discussing sex with their children. Instead, they should focus on providing age-appropriate education. He said, assuming children are “too young” for this conversation can be detrimental, as they are often exposed to information and influences through the internet and friends.
Going Beyond the Surface
He said simply telling an adolescent girl that she could get pregnant if she associated with boys was not enough. The Advocacy Coordinator said parents must explain the process of reproduction and the risks associated with sexual activity. “This will empower children to make informed decisions and avoid danger or trouble due to ignorance. Do not just scratch the surface of the matter” he explained.
Tailoring Education to Individual Needs
Mr. Tagoe said parents and guardians should strive to provide unique education for their adolescents, taking into account their individual needs and circumstances. He said this may involve intensive interaction to understand what works best for each child considering their level of exposure and the information they will give.
The Risks of Misinformation
It is an open secret that there is a lot of misinformation out there for adolescents. Some of the adolescents driven by fear or determination to maintain their virginity, or prevent pregnancy may resort to anal or oral sex.
He said this should be a matter of concern to all patents and guardians because this could expose them to diseases and other health issues.
He said, parents must advise their children to avoid all forms of sexual activity and guide them to focus on their education or trade. He said the PPAG was available to counsel parents and guardians on how to go about education of their adolescent children or wards. He said their facilities were also opened for adolescents who needed assistance on the SRHR.
Overcoming Cultural and Socio-Economic Barriers
Mr. Tagoe said cultural and traditional beliefs, socio-economic pressures, and other factors should not deter parents from fulfilling their critical role in educating their children about sex. He said adolescents or those who were even younger must understand that abstaining from sex could prevent unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and other consequences.
The Consequences of Lack of Education
From the media training session, journalists were exposed further to consequences of inadequate sex education which could be severe.
He said unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and unsafe means of ending pregnancies practices are just a few of the risks associated with a lack of education.
“Additionally, adolescents who engage in sexual activity may face social stigma and neglect and where an unplanned pregnancy occurs, it could lead to economic pressures on their families” he disclosed.
The Advocacy Coordinator said by providing comprehensive sex education, parents could empower their children to make informed decisions and avoid these consequences.
The role of Counsellors
Mr. Tagoe has encouraged every school to have counsellors because it made it easier for students to have frequent access to counselling services as compared to if they have to go elsewhere to access it.
He said this was important to create an atmosphere of early intervention to prevent a problem from deteriorating further.
He called on students to also make the best out of their counsellors to address their concerns as they (the counsellors) were trained to be able to help the students develop coping strategies to help with their emotional challenges as well.
A Teacher’s Perspective on Comprehensive Sex Education
Meanwhile, in an interaction, Gertrude Akweley Addy Agboada a Science Teacher at a basic school in the Okaikoi North District of the Greater Accra Region, said as an educator, she was of a firm believe that comprehensive sex education served a vital purpose for adolescents.
” By providing truthful, age-appropriate information, we empower young people to make informed decisions about their health and relationships. Sex education fosters respect for oneself and others by dispelling myths that encourage risky behaviors which could compromise their health and successful future.”
Recommended Age for Sex Education
Mrs. Agboada was of the view that the ideal age to introduce basic sex education was from ten to 12 years old. “From my many years of teaching and interacting with these young ones, I believe this timing is crucial, as it precedes puberty and helps adolescents understand the physical, emotional, and social changes they are about to experience.”
Additional Observations
She was also of the view that, a critical factor in delivering effective sex education programs was respecting cultural and community values.
“To achieve this, I propose that parents, teachers, and community leaders form a committee to create a safe space for young people to ask questions.
We should not just be telling them what to do but we should also make room for them to share their thoughts and concerns.”
She stated that a collaborative approach enabled adults to discuss essential topics such as consent, healthy relationships, and self-respect, ultimately empowering youth to make informed choices that promote their well-being.
She said she was happy that as a teacher, she had helped to step in to fill the gap some parents had failed to fill on the subject of sex education which had helped some of her pupils to stay out of danger and the possible consequences that comes with ignorant and irresponsible behaviors.
School Counsellors Vital for Comprehensive Sexual Education
The President of the School Counsellors Association of Ghana, Umar-Faruq Idriss, has emphasized the crucial role school counsellors play in providing adolescents with accurate information on sexual health.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Mr. Idriss stressed that counsellors must ensure students feel comfortable, supported, and safe when discussing sensitive topics like sexual health and relationships. “We facilitate conversations about difficult or taboo topics, creating a supportive environment for learning,” he said.
One-to-One Support
Counsellors offer confidential support for students with personal concerns or needing additional guidance, particularly those experiencing abuse or mental health struggles related to sexuality.
Collaboration with Teachers and Parents
The President of the School Counsellors Association highlighted the importance of school counsellors working closely with teachers to deliver comprehensive sexual education programs effectively and inclusively. They also collaborate with parents to provide information and resources supporting their children’s learning.
Advocacy for Comprehensive Sexual Education
Mr. Idriss advocated for school policies supporting comprehensive sexual education and ensuring its inclusion in the broader curriculum. He emphasized that CSE is essential for promoting adolescents’ sexual health and well-being.
Empowering Adolescents
“By addressing the emotional, mental, and social dimensions of sexuality, CSE prepares adolescents to make informed decisions. As school counsellors, we play a crucial role in fostering a supportive environment, ensuring students make healthy, respectful choices as they go through adolescence,” Mr. Idriss concluded.
Conclusion
As parents and guardians, we have the power to shape the future of our children.
It is therefore important for us to start an open and honest conversation with our children and wards at the appropriate ages. We must also seek out trusted resources and support to help guide us.
By taking this crucial step, we will be better placed to empower them to make informed decisions about their health, well-being and their future. Let’s remember as persons who exercise authority over them that, together, we can crate a brighter, healthier future for the next generation. END
Mr. Umar-Faruq Idriss, President of School Counsellors Association
Mrs. Gertrude Akweley Addy Agboada, a Science Teacher