The third season of the famous comedy-drama series Sex Education was released on 17th September and this time it seems to be tackling the age-old mentality of preaching abstinence instead of sex-positivity in school.
The show masterfully explores and delves into the mentality that equates abstinence with discipline and why most of the schools are against the concept of teaching sex positivity to teenagers. Many people in the authoritative positions in the schools feel the need to emphasise the fact that sex and education cannot co-exist in a single environment and more so that teaching sex-positivity will put their institution in a bad light. The show tackles stigmas and biases that people hold against sex education and don’t really see it as a natural part of life that students need to be informed about. Sex education brings to the light how in the absence of a safe place for teenagers to talk about their sexual curiosity and queries they turn to noncredible sources for information which puts them at risk of adopting unhealthy sex practices and possibly cause long term problems.
Priyal Agarwal, founder of StandWeSpeak(a sex organization) had this to say about abstinence-based sex Ed, "Abstinence-only, fear-based or shame-laden education leaves young people unprepared and negatively affects those who are sexually active, belong to the LGBTQ+ community or have experienced sexual abuse. Along with being ineffective and a violation of adolescent human rights, abstinence-only programs also promote dangerous gender stereotypes, stigmatize sexual health and sexuality and perpetuate a system of inequality."
Sex-positive, gender-inclusive and medically accurate Sexuality Education Program equips young people with the necessary life skills required to make informed decisions about their bodies, relationships and lives. Though we have progressed from no sex-ed to some form of sex-ed, the approach is still very directive and focuses mainly on biological aspects. This is a very narrow outlook that leaves out finer nuances regarding sex and sexuality, such as age-appropriate curiosities, explorative behaviours and individual preferences. Sex-ed will be truly meaningful and relevant only when we create space for engaging conversations with young curious minds, hearing out about their knowledge and attitudes on the topic, clarifying any misconceptions and guiding them towards making informed choices. This goes beyond simply asking an adolescent to 'abstain from sex', but would rather invoke consideration of different aspects which go beyond the physical activities such as the emotional involvement, choice of partner, mutual consent and safety.", mentions Dr Vandana Shetty, psychiatrist, explaining the importance and need of an all-inclusive sex education that informs students about all aspects of sexuality and sexual health while promoting curiosity and meaningful discussions at the same time.
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