Lets Talk About Sex

                Sex, an adult topic placed in a primary school arena. The introduction of lower ages for the beginning of sexual education classes in Australian classrooms has increased controversy recently. What is it in our culture that we decide that it is inappropriate to teach primary age students about health and puberty? It needs to be considered if we naively believe that 10 year olds don’t know about sex? Or is the introduction of such classes going to increase the culture of early participants in sexual activities. 

                According to Australian Law, the age of consent is 16 years of age (Two years younger than a legal adult). Yet sexual education classes begin in the first year of high school and now are proposed to begin in late primary school. Previously sexual education classes in primary school consist of health classes in preparation of puberty. The introduction of the curriculum entails students learning about sexual safety and personal health. This was ruled as a prevention measure, enabling students to employ safe practices from the beginning of such (Ross, A. 2012). It needs to be considered what this implies about our culture, either there are high amounts of young individuals whom need an understanding or there are adults that think that using this method will in turn form a prevention measure.

                Culture and Identity will be reflected through the curriculum in what the students are taught are appropriate and inappropriate ways to interact with other sexually. Who determines the appropriate culture( Wadham, B. Pudsey, J. & Boyd, R. (2007))? With this, will religious views of chastity and single partners be taught?  Will there be full acceptance of different sexuality preferences, not just heterosexuality; but homosexuality and bisexuality? (Feeney,K., 2012)

                As the age of education decreases, will the age of consent? Such a move will have detrimental effects on culture and the way people view love, commitment and sex.  Younger participants in sexual activity could potentially increase the amount of sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted/unplanned pregnancies and relationship breakdowns (Feeney,K., 2012). Will sex become part of someone’s identity before they are able to emotionally deal with the consequences?

                In short, will the introduction of sexual education classes at younger ages cause greater safety and prevention OR will it put sex on the forefront of young pre-teens minds?

References:

Feeney,K ( 2012) Time to go to dating school http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life/blogs/citykat/time-to-go-to-dating-school-20120731-23cp3.html

 

Ross, A. (2012) Sex education anyone? http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life/sex-education-anyone-20120921-26alv.html

Wadham, B. Pudsey, J. & Boyd, R. (2007). Culture and education. Sydney: Pearson  Education.