PEN America’s Post

Will sexuality education prompt early initiation of sexual activity in young people? Should young people be taught sexuality education? Do you think sexuality education does more good than harm to young people or vice versa? Sexuality education, is a broad term that encompasses the teaching of a variety of topics related to human sexuality and sexual health. The primary goal of sexuality education is to provide adolescents and young people #ayps with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed, responsible, and healthy decisions about their sexual behavior. Sexuality education is not just teaching young people about s3x, it also includes information about their body and how it works, reproductive health, sexually transmitted infections (#STIs), #sexualorientation, #genderidentity, and healthy relationships. Some of the advantages of this education would include: 🔸#AYPs are more likely to feel positive about their bodies. 🔸#AYPs will appreciate and accept individual differences and have full consciousness of their sexual identities. 🔸Early sexuality education creates awareness and encourages prompt reporting of #sexualabuse. What other advantages would you like to add? However, the disadvantages would be: 🔺Sexuality education, often, goes against an individual's morals and beliefs. 🔺#Teachers appointed for the task are mostly untrained as to how they go about teaching sexuality education to children. As a result, they end up adding their personal beliefs to the subject matter rather than focusing on the facts. 🔺By educating kids on sexuality at an early age, it might enhance curiosity, leading them to try it out once or even forcing their #peers to do it. Dear #educators, #mentors, and #coaches, at what age should sexuality education be taught? Should kids be taught sexuality education? Who does or should do most of the education- the #parents or the #teachers or #educators? Let's discuss this in the comments. ________________________________ Seeing my post for the first time? I am Oluwanifemi, my interest lies in #volunteering and #volunteermanagement, #Boychildadvocacy, and #socialimpact. I'd love to connect with you 🤭.

OP-ED 4: Prohibition of Comprehensive Sexuality Education Violates Adolescents’ Human Rights In Nigeria, there is a bias from parents and the government toward comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), especially in schools. According to the World Health Organization, CSE gives young people accurate, age-appropriate information about sexuality and their sexual and reproductive health. The bias of parents and the government toward CSE is often because it is misconceived to increase sexual activities and behaviors among adolescents. Contrary to the misconception, CSE has reduced sexual activities and behaviors among adolescents. CSE also results in increased knowledge about human sexuality. Aside from the fact that CSE promotes public health, it is part of adolescents’ fundamental human right to health, life, education, and non-discrimination. To protect adolescents’ fundamental human right to sexuality education in Nigeria, the Ministry of Education must incorporate CSE into the school curriculum. The Ministry of Health and Education must train sexuality educators with the right knowledge and skills to impart CSE. Schools must also have access to resource materials and accompanying support services to provide any necessary student support and guidance. Continue reading here https://lnkd.in/dsjJASNv #Humanrights #sexeducation #sexualityeducation #cse #comprehensivesexualityeducation

"Navigating New Territory: Key Points to Address Before Your Child's Sexual Education" There are many questions in the minds of the parents whenever the need arises for this discussion. Like, Is my child of age? Is it necessary? But in our time our parents did not talk to us about s3x and we are OK? The key point to Note before s3x educating your child. What do I know?  Some parents are still banking on their past knowledge when they were growing up. Without following and updating themselves with current and revolutionizing knowledge and trends in the world today. Get updated knowledge. What are my values? As a family and as a person you should have a belief system guiding you. It is from these values that we should build our s3x education. Your connection with your Child. Many will say I have a cordial relationship with my child because they both enjoy a few jokes and stories. Parents build strong connections with their children from infancy to be able to enjoy seamless relationship in the future. Identity your child Know your child well, what is your child's learning styles, His/her personality, and Temperament?  Teach them based on this knowledge. My Child's Environment know the environments outside the home that have an influence on your child, like the schools, church, street, and media. And how such environments can make or mar the child on this subject. As a parent, your knowledge and structures on these and more can help you start and build the right and great s3x education for your child. Remember, if you fail to teach them. They will learn it outside. And you can not guarantee the genuineness of where they will learn it from. #ParentingTips #Sexeducation #PersonalSpace #familyvalues #Respect #Ifeomaprudentokafor #motherinisrael

They warn that many school programs, including zero tolerance policies, are "entrenched in school culture" but are often unsupported by scientific evidence or based on "fringe science." Not only do these strategies fail to keep children safe, they also direct crucial funds away from evidence-based practices, such as education that involves teaching young people about contraception. "Educators want to do everything they can to make children's lives better, and this often involves getting behind programs that are designed to improve children's lives. Unfortunately, many programs that sound like they might work, simply don't. Although the book mostly pulls from U.S. studies, children are exposed to pseudoscientific practices around the globe." Abstinence-only-until-marriage programs have been found ineffective because they do not delay sexual initiation or reduce sexual risk behaviors. In fact, the researchers note, sex education laws and policies emphasizing abstinence-only approaches are associated with increased rates of teen pregnancies and birth. https://lnkd.in/gkV4z7Gb

Reactive solutions instead of proactive solutions. You can't keep treating symptoms without addressing root causes of Teen pregnancies. Denying children their right to education is not only retrogressive but also discriminatory.

Actions are often shaped by perspectives. In some areas, eg my rural home, girls marrying at a young age is a prevalent practice, not forced but by choice. You can't advice a woman in "love" comes into play in these situations. When these unions don't succeed, as is usually the case, it can lead to frustration within communities, and lead to certain perspectives as echoed by the governor's remarks. I am not endorsing his statement but I see why he'd state that. I feel it's crucial to consider the need to empower mothers in these regions. Their empowerment can, in turn, flow down to future generations. You become a backdrop of the people you look up to. If your role models are individuals with limited education, dropout rates may persist. This issue is complex and requires a deeper examination making it possible to have effective solutions in place. Women problems can only be solved by women. The men can hold space for women to clear chaos but it is up to the women to put in the work.

Happy International Day of Education 📚 It is another day to call for the provision of comprehensive sexuality education to young people everywhere. This can be through formal and non-formal education and programs. Comprehensive sexuality education is accurate and age-appropriate information about sexuality and covers not only reproductive health topics but includes life skills such as goal setting, self esteem, values, negotiation and communication skills. ⛔️ CSE does not promote sexual activity or promiscuity ☑️ CSE empowers young people with accurate information on their sexuality that enables them delay sex until later or engage in safe sex, and live healthy and productive lives. ☑️ CSE helps young people prepare for and manage the changes they experience during puberty and adolescence. ☑️ CSE teaches young people respect, consent and where to find help which helps reduce the risk of sexual and gender based violence. Major shout out to all advocates and educators around the world who despite the societal oppositions are striving and relentlessly providing CSE to young people in their communities. Take all your flowers 💐 Mercy Bolaji Goodness Ogeyi Odey Peace Umanah Margaret Bolaji Blessing Ashi Ibrahim Oladimeji Gloria Williams Felicity Nneoma ADEK BASSEY Brenda Effiom Apata Please tag any CSE champion you know and drop some words of encouragement 😁 #internationaldayofeducation2024 #CSEforall #youthdevelopment

Check out my recently published article on sexual literacy https://lnkd.in/egk3QqCi

Iceland's Association for Sexual Health introduces a comprehensive teaching manual, 'Youth Sexual Health and Wellbeing,' designed for secondary school teachers. Developed in collaboration with various organizations, the manual includes discussions on self-esteem, healthy relationships, and STI prevention. This updated curriculum will ensure that students receive vital education tailored to today's realities. Read more in this story by Jelena Ćirić for Iceland Review. #sexualhealth #sexeducation #sex #Iceland