SEX ED, A MUST

“What’s wrong with teaching high school students about adolescent reproductive health?” The overreaction from the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) about the Department of Education’s (DepEd) sex education program, that is to include sex education in the K-to-12 curriculum. The Philippines being predominantly a Christian nation makes sex a sensitive issue, thus, talking about it is still a taboo. This cause curiosity among teenagers thinking that it’s perfectly alright to engage in such activity. One’s view on sex can influence their attitude towards life. This attitude towards sex affects the lives of not only of the young unprepared mothers but also the lives of their future soon-to-be children. Sex is a part of our personality that must be properly developed, and sex education helps teenagers be aware of their own sexual well-being. Moreover, staying quiet about this matter will make teenagers more persistent about sex, making them understand the subject in their “own ways” as they tend to get curious about it. Discussing this topic more with teenagers would help solve the country’s issue with teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. While sex education may be acceptable for secondary school students, DepEd must ensure that teachers assigned to handle the subject undergo appropriate training. Teachers must also ensure that discussions

Annex Of Convenience

kept at an educational level to help students learn the truth and consequences of sexual behavior that leads to a terrible situation, considering that most of the victims are youth.

The benefits of comprehensive sex ed go far beyond the information on reproduction and health risks. Sex ed is essential to combat the alarming rise of teenage pregnancy in the Philippines. In Bagong Silangan High School alone, there are several cases regarding the issue. Students must learn about sex ed, including information about contraception and safe sex. Educating the students about this sensitive issue at home is a big relief. It must be a basic knowledge given the fact that teens are vulnerable and lack awareness about this topic may lead to something else.

With sex still being a vulgar topic for others, it is a good thing to be open and talk about it as a way to break the ice. Teenagers should also learn from the right people—parents and teachers— rather than grasping it on the streets, or worse, from people who only want to take advantage of their innocence. In this way, teenagers will know that they are too young for this and are not ready to be responsible for the consequences of such behavior at their age.