The Power of Information: Why Sex Education is Important for Young People's Well Being

By: Guntas Channi

 “Mumbai youth kills 12 year old sister after mistaking blood stains of her first period for bleeding after intercourse”

“Under stress after having her first period, 14-year-old dies by suicide in Mumbai” 

When I first read these headlines, I was shocked to see that such brazen incidents could even occur. Then, I realised that none of this would have occurred if the people involved in the preceding episodes were aware of what they or the other person were going through. It sheds light on the urgent need for education dissemination on sensitive topics like puberty, sexuality, anatomy, reproductive and mental health among youth i.e. the areas constituting sex education. 

Legal mechanisms like the Adolescent Educational Programme have been outlawed citing it as ‘inappropriate material’. This is detrimental to teenagers as they are deprived of the knowledge of their own body, and unable to cope with the significant changes they experience. 

Many parents are solely concerned with the future career of their child which makes children feel like they cannot talk to their own parents about adolescent problems. At the same time, adults also become ignorant of the responsibility they have to educate their children about what is good or bad touch, rape, assault and/or a plethora of other important developmental processes. 

One way of promoting healthy conversations would be creating safe spaces for individuals. Since teenagers are more likely to confide with people their own age than with adults, environments like support groups are likely to attract them because they will feel like they’re not alone. In addition, schools should employ counsellors and encourage students to utilise their services. 

Since this aspect is even more overlooked in poorer communities, the most instrumental role should be played by the government. Campaigning to raise awareness and conducting low-cost or free workshops/seminars will encourage further discussion. Another useful approach can be collaborating with NGOs, educators, and healthcare providers to break the cycle of myths and stigma and providing age-appropriate resources. Most importantly, it will promote an attitude of positivity towards issues concerning gender and sexuality.  

I believe that regular implementation of the above-mentioned strategies can foster a more inclusive and accepting society, as well as support people in making informed decisions about their health and well being.