Teaching children lessons in life

Indeed, at the secondary level from year one, students are exposed to sex education through their science, physical education and even social studies classes.

In addition, there is health and family life education which is taught across the curriculum by all teachers. This subject is also taught at the primary level. Why then there continues to be the call for the “introduction” of sex education in schools? Based on the social issues that are giving rise to this call, it would seem that what is really needed is education. Many of our young people lack basic skills in relating to one another. They seem to need help to develop their understanding, skills and values around healthy sex and relationships, especially with the advent of social media and the breakdown in family structures.

Given the profound extent to which they are exposed to societal messages and norms that promote bad sex, drug use and violence, it is no wonder they are confused and unable to make the right choices.

These messages are both subtle and not so subtle and constantly bombard the minds of children from a tender age. The entertainment industry thrives on the glorification of promiscuity, violence, bullying and even male dominance. The average young person is virtually bullied into making bad choices.

The focus of sex education should be on relationship dynamics, especially with regard to the digital world. They must be taught what a good relationship looks like, characterised by feelings of mutual respect.

Given all the societal and peer pressures they need guidance to really figure out who they want to be and what they want from a relationship.

They also need guidance in terms of defining a socially responsible value system based on moral philosophy, empathy, self-regulation and an ability to introspect/reflect. In short they must be taught to develop positive identities.

They must also be taught media literacy and good communication skills. Many of our young people are unable to express their true feelings and lack the strength and conviction to stand firm in their beliefs and not be swayed by peer pressure and social media.

While it would be nice to have specialists engaging them in this type of education, teachers can’t wait for these experts to assist them in the classroom with this facet of social education.

The onus is therefore on teachers to reach out and engage their charges in these deep conversations, drawing out their thoughts, feelings and perspectives on sex and relationships. Bearing in mind that the social issues are not demarcated in real life, every effort must be made to teach these issues in an integrated manner and not in silos.

It is important to remember that many of our students will not openly speak about these issues unless a certain level of trust is established between teacher and student. In essence what is really needed is an increased emphasis on life skills since the social structures that once performed this task is crumbling, leaving our young people in a vacuum that social media is all too happy to exploit.

Their apparent high levels of promiscuity, penchant for resolving conflict through violence and overall inability to communicate respect for self and each other are all symptoms of that deeper problem of deficiencies in their socialisation.

Their confused state of mind leads them to make bad choices.

They need our guidance now.