Sex Education is a very controversial subject as most parents do not see the need for their children or wards to be taught about sex at a young age in school.

The question is, should sex education be taught in schools?

What is Sex Education?

Sex education can be defined as teaching and learning about sex and sexuality, exploring values and beliefs about those topics and gaining the skills needed to navigate relationships and manage one’s sexual health.

 It also aims to develop and strengthen the ability of children and young people to make conscious, satisfying, healthy and respectful choices regarding relationships, sexuality and physical health.”

Topics taught in sex education could include; Sexual Intercourse, Reproduction, Puberty, Dating, Abstinence, Sexually transmitted infections, Birth Control, LGBT etc 

It is paramount that sex education is taught to reduce the risk of potentially adverse outcomes, such as unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

Sex education can also help improve the quality of their relationships and assist in developing decision-making skills for their future.

With technology these days, bear in mind that students are already learning about sex and romance and have lots of questions about what they’ve watched or read; also with the rapid change in our society, students are more exposed to explicit content. Therefore, not educating young children on sex education leaves them vulnerable to the outside world.

In Nigeria, there are so many reports of sexual abuse. Therefore, teaching our children sex education allows them to know their rights, speak up, and seek help.

Schools should teach sex education at the primary and secondary level but must give age-appropriate teaching and answers; questions should be answered calmly, positively, honestly and accurately. There is no need to be elaborate when teaching.

Schools in Nigeria should include sex education in their curriculum. Students deserve to be educated and given accurate information so that they can make responsible and healthy decisions.

However, some people feel that it is the role of the parents to educate their children on sex education without interference from schools. While this is true, we should not ignore the role of the school on such matters. 

In conclusion, sex education should be taught in schools at the secondary level, while parents should teach students in primary school.

Sex education must first start with parents educating their children at home; they should no longer feel shy about having such discussions with their children. If sex education is taught in schools in Nigeria, students will become free to discuss when they’re in danger with their parents and even teachers. The world will be a better place, and the cases of child molestation will be reduced because students will be equipped with the knowledge on what to do in such situations.

However, it is also essential to emphasize moral values and abstinence from sexuality to students before marriage.