Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Sex education

The article “Case for sex education in schools” (Jan. 26) was both timely and apt. The importance of sex education cannot be overemphasised. The present generation faces a number of problems and challenges. It is for us to guide the youngsters properly. Guidance in sex matters does not mean encouragement to indulge in premarital sex. On the contrary, it is one of the most effective ways to inculcate ethics among students. The widely prevalent view that sex education is immoral should be countered by awareness campaigns. Resistance will disappear once the results are visible.

G. Rajamohan,

Chennai

Besides sexual harassment and forced sex, children also suffer from a sense of fear when they reach adolescence. They cannot communicate their fears and many become depressed. Suicide by a 14-year-old girl who began to menstruate and feared that she had a sexually transmitted disease, prompting Edward Chad Varah to start the Samaritans — a hotline to help those contemplating suicide — is a case in point. It is the government’s duty to make sex education part of the curriculum to avoid such misinformation and restrict child abuse.

Shadab Husain,

Lucknow

It is interesting to know that besides reducing teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, sex education also empowers women and makes them aware of their rights. Such a healthy programme should be implemented without delay.

B. Ramasundari,

Guntur

The article has rightly brought out the need to promote gender awareness and combat the rapid spread of HIV. There is also an urgent need to keep the young informed of the measures to protect themselves against sexual exploitation. Participatory sex education will provide the impetus for discussion and discourage prejudices. Academicians and policymakers should evolve a syllabus that is relevant to the changing times.

T.S. Nagarajan,

Chennai

As a student, I feel there is nothing wrong in getting reliable information on sex, sexually transmitted diseases, proper use of condoms, etc. In fact, an educative programme will only reinforce the importance of abstinence till marriage.

Opposing sex education on cultural grounds is hypocrisy. If we are as cultured as we claim, why are we host to the largest number of HIV-infected? All that sex education seeks to do is create awareness and a healthier India.

N. Poornemaa,

Chennai

The introduction of sex education in schools is not a good idea. The young minds will be diverted from studies and will get more curious. The purpose of education should be to help students evolve into healthy human beings who can compete successfully with others.

P. Senthil Saravana Durai,

Tuticorin

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