Contents of Sex Education for Each Age Group
Introduction
Sex education refers to instructions on issues dealing with human sexual anatomy, sexual
reproduction, reproductive health, sexual activity, safe sex, birth control methods, and sexual
abstinence (Sandfort, 2013. Sexual education was regarded a taboo and adolescents were denied
information regarding sexual activity (Pickard, 2018). In this case, only parents and other adults
received education on available birth control methods and reproductive health. The contents of
sexual education are determined by the age group of the individual as it starts from childhood
and continues through adolescent stage until adulthood (Gottsegen & Philiber, 2001, p 429).
Sexual education is critical for children and young age group since it enables them again
information and skills which enable them enjoy their sexuality establish fulfilling sexual
relationships in their adulthood (Sandfort, 2013).
The content targeted towards early childhood age group includes information on names
of body parts, body feelings, and respect of other peoples’ privacy. The middle childhood age
group which is usually 8 to 10 years acquires information regarding internal reproductive organs
like bladder and ways of resisting sexual touches (Pickard, 2018). The education comprises body
changes that occur during puberty stage and sexual behaviors like love and masturbation. The
early teenage age group require to learn how to control their friendships with the other gender,
the importance of establishing a family in adulthood, and how to manage sexual feelings
originating body touching or romantic attractions (Gottsegen & Philiber, 2001, p 432).
The school going children and young people need information on health sexual
behaviors, risky sexual activity, sexually transmitted diseases, and how to overcome sexual
pressure from peers (Sandfort, 2013. The information controls the high risk of early pregnancies,
sexually transmitted diseases, and negative sexuality attitudes. The formal sexual education at
school level is targeted to teenagers and entail ‘how to say abstain from sex’ for those in
elementary and middle schools (Gottsegen & Philiber, 2001, p 433). The school children are
taught about dangers of early sexual activity, how to appreciate their gender identity, and
sexually transmitted diseases.
The adolescent age group should be taught on how to understand sexual feelings, basic
reproduction principles, and how to form interpersonal sexual relationships. In this case, the
content is useful since it enables an adolescent to acquire communication skills and acknowledge
the importance of safe sexual activity (Pickard, 2018). In this regard, the young women enhance
their ability to control sexual relationships while the young men learn how to avoid sexual
stereotypes that lead to harmful sexual activity and behaviors. A proper content of sexual
education will help this age group to develop positive attitudes and values in intimate
relationships and foster both consensual and respectful relationships (Pickard, 2018). The young
adults content entail information on how to respect other sexual orientation and gender identity.
In this case, the young adults need information on gender equality and ways of avoiding
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Conclusion
Sexual education offers accurate information about sexuality and enables young people to
develop positive values and attitudes towards human sexuality. The information should enable
young people address issues regarding abstinence, health sexual activity, and use of available
contraceptives. Sexual education content should be tailored to the needs of each age group.
References:
Gottsegen, E & Philiber, W.W. (2001). “Impact of a sexual responsibility programme on young
males”, Adolescence, Vol 36, Issue 143, pp 427-433.
Pickard, S. (2018). Age, Gender and Sexuality Through the Life Course: The girl in time.
London: Taylor & Francis Group.
Sandfort, T. (2013). Childhood sexuality: Normal sexual behavior and development. London:
Routledge.