Sex education at high school in Canada - Essay Example

For quite some time now, the debate of introducing sex education in educational s continues to elicit mixed reactions from the public andpolicy makers in the country. Opinion is divided on whether to introduce sex education in high school or not, with conservative parents in the society arguing that introducing it in high school would encourage sexual immorality among the students (McKay, et al, 1998, p122). However, in view of the current health and technological changes, introducing sex education in Canadian high schools would equip the students with relevant knowledge and skills, to navigate in a highly globalized world (Ansuini, et al, 1996, p 40).

Sexual education does not expose students to immorality but it informs them about their sexuality. According to McKay, et al, (1998, p123) the Canadian parents have failed miserably in educating their children, about sexuality, a situation that denies teenagers the power to make informed decisions on matters related to their sexuality. In a world that technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, teenagers often get misguided information about sex on social networks and from pornographic sites, a situation that makes them vulnerable to early sexual experimentation.

This exposure has resulted to high incidents of teenage pregnancies, infection by sexually transmitted diseases and other negative consequences such as dropping out of school and other reproductive health problems (Caims and Hiebert, 1994, p227). Sex education should be introduced in Canadian high schools to protect the teenagers from sexual related problems and enhance their personal safety. A study conducted by Geasler et al(1995, p 173) established that most Canadian parents entrusted educational institutions to provide sex health education to empower the adolescents with relevant knowledge such as personal safety, importance of abstinence and reproduction.

Moreover, McKay, et al (1998, p143) noted that most parents hailed the importance of sex education in empowering the students with appropriate sexual decision-making skills in relationships. In Canada, adolescents regard sex education as one of their most important education needs and they entrust their parents and school to provide sex health education (Caims and Hiebert, 1994p229). However, most Canadian parents admit to having insufficient information of sex health education to educate their adolescents effectively (McKay, et al, 1998 p 138).

In this regard, appropriate sex health education should be taught in high schools to supplement the efforts made by parents in educating their children about the subject at home. References Ansuini, C., et al. “The Source, Accuracy and Impact of Initial Sexuality Information on Lifetime Wellness”. Adolescence. 31 (1996): pp 38-97. Barett, M. “Sexuality Education in Canadian Schools: An Overview in 1994”. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality. 3 (1994): pp 190-216. Caims, K. & Hiebert, B.

“Adolescents Self Perceived Needs for Sexuality Education”. The Canadian Journal Of Human Sexuality. 3 (1994): 210-231. Geasler, M., et al. “Sexuality Education of Young Children: Parental Concerns”. Family Relations. 44 (1995): pp160-189. McKay, A., et al. “Parents Opinions and Attitudes toward Sexuality Education in the Schools”. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality. 7(1998): pp 120-143.