Why in the news?

Recently, a man and his son were booked under the POCSO Act for sexually abusing a five-year-old girl for over six months. 

• National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB): It has reported that 51,863 cases were reported under the POCSO Act in 2021, of which 64% were of sexual assault.

Problems due to lack of proper sex education:

1. The first sex for a majority of young people in India is unprotected and is forced, especially for a sizeable proportion of young women (between 15 and 24 years).
2. Increased cases of sexual abuse.
   • Ministry of Women and Child Development, reported that >53% of children in 13 states reported one or more forms of sexual abuse.
3. India has the 3^rd highest number of people living with HIV in the world.

How to prevent child abuse cases?

1. Comprehensive sexuality education becomes a mandate.

1. As per UN: Comprehensive sexuality education is a curriculum-based process of teaching and learning about the cognitive, emotional, physical and social aspects of sexuality.

2. UN Population Fund (UNFPA) states that, “the right of access to comprehensive sexuality education is grounded in fundamental human rights and is a means to empower young people to protect their health, well-being and dignity”.
3. India’s education system has skipped the adoption of such a system claiming that it ‘sexualises children’ or they violate “Indian values”.

• Traditional values are often shaped by patriarchal and hierarchical social structures.
• Mass media often tend to propagate such values.

4. The comprehensive sexuality education should start from the age of five along with formal education.
5. It shall include teaching young children about their-
   • Bodies
   • Emotions
   • Basic principles of Consent
   • How to deal with violence, bullying or abuse.
   • Inclusion of POCSO act, not simply related to legalities but holistic understanding.

2. Understanding sexual consent becomes imperative

1. Recently the Supreme court highlighted the frequent criminalisation of consensual adolescent relationships and asked govt. to consider reducing the age of consent.
2. Understanding consent is vital to learn about not only about violation and abuse but also to maintain healthy relationships. 
3. Discussions about consensual sexual relationship have been traditionally absent in Indian context.
4. Creation of vocabulary in regional languages to enable discussions on the concept of sexual consent and its nuances is urgently required.

3. Impart sexuality education to parents and caregivers, besides children
4. Capacity-building of teachers is critical as the curriculum requires non-intuitive participatory pedagogies.
   • Teachers may lack the knowledge to talk about diverse topics with the existing programmes to have informed educators.
   • Better teaching methodologies
   • They would require skills to engage and mobilise parents.
   • Need of aids and tools such as games, quizzes, videos, and other communication material to deal effectively with such issues.
5. Setting up health clubs in schools and colleges:
   • It enables students to access information and other health services.

Why Comprehensive sexuality education becomes imperative?

1. It shall enable young people to be better informed of their rights and sexuality and maintain healthy relationships in the future, while mere concept of abstinence will not serve the purpose.
2. It can also mitigate issues like health problems, sexual and gender-based violence, substance abuse, and sexually transmitted diseases, among others.
3. Students who receive sexuality education in school have a reduced risk of venereal diseases, unwanted pregnancies, and abortions.
4. There seems to be a positive correlation between receiving sexuality education and the use of contraceptives, knowledge, motivation and skills.

In India, the responsibility of sexuality education lies with the State governments which has to develop creative curriculums within the framework suggested by the UNFPA to end child abuses cases in India.

Addressing the Challenges of Sex Education in India

1. Comprehensive Curriculum:
   - Develop a standardized and age-appropriate sex education curriculum that covers topics like anatomy, reproduction, contraceptives, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), consent, and relationships.
   - The curriculum should be sensitive to the cultural and religious diversity of India while ensuring scientific accuracy.

2. Teacher Training:
   - Conduct training programs for teachers to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach sex education effectively.
   - Emphasize the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental classroom environment where students can ask questions and seek guidance.

3. Parental Involvement:
   - Encourage parents to engage in conversations about sex and relationships with their children.
   - Provide resources and workshops for parents to improve their understanding of the importance of sex education and how to approach it.

4. Public Awareness Campaigns:
   - Launch nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of sex education and dispel common myths and misconceptions.
   - Use various media platforms to reach a wide audience, including television, radio, social media, and community outreach programs.

5. Accessible Information:
   - Make accurate and age-appropriate sexual consent materials readily available in schools, libraries, and online platforms.
   - Ensure that information is accessible in multiple languages and formats to cater to the diverse population.

6. Addressing Taboos and Stigma:
   - Challenge cultural taboos and stigmas associated with discussing sex and sexuality openly.
   - Promote acceptance and understanding of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.

7. Collaboration with NGOs and Healthcare Providers:
   - Collaborate with Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and healthcare providers to supplement formal sex education with counseling and health services.
   - Provide access to confidential counseling for students who may have questions or concerns.

8. Periodic Assessment:
   - Continuously evaluate and update sex education programs to ensure they remain relevant and effective.
   - Collect feedback from students, parents, and teachers to make necessary improvements.

9. Policy Support:
   - Advocate for comprehensive sex education policies at the state and national levels.
   - Ensure that sex education is integrated into the broader school curriculum.

10. Cultural Sensitivity:
   - Recognize the importance of respecting cultural and religious beliefs while delivering sex education.
   - Develop strategies to strike a balance between cultural sensitivity and the need for accurate information.

Conclusion:
Solving the problem of sex education in India requires a concerted effort from government bodies, educators, parents, and civil society organizations. It is essential to approach this issue with sensitivity, cultural awareness, and a commitment to providing accurate information that empowers young people to make informed decisions about their sexual health and relationships. A well-implemented sex education program can contribute to a healthier, safer, and more informed society in India.

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