Schools play an instrumental role in disseminating vital information about sexual health. The school setting provides a crucial venue for the dissemination of information and skills that might enable young people to avoid harmful behaviors; unfortunately, many Nigerian students still do not have access to secondary or even basic sex education in their schools. An effective sex education stresses love, healthy sex, abstinence, respect for others and oneself, diversity, rights and responsibilities, relationships and friendships, effective communication, decision-making skills, and prevention of risky behaviors.
School-based sexuality education is one of the primary responsibilities of a school in preparing its students for healthy and fulfilling adult lives.
Understanding and identifying healthy and harmful relationship patterns are effective ways to communicate relationship needs and handle conflict. Also, techniques to avoid or exit an unhealthy relationship should all make part of a teacher’s sex education.
Most children may struggle with body image concerns, which can have a negative impact on their self-esteem. It is a teacher’s responsibility to help such pupils accept their sexuality and feel comfortable in their own skin.
As part of their responsibilities in sex education, teachers should also provide students with a safe space where they can discuss matters that they may not be able to openly discuss. A safe space encourages learners to be optimistic and confident as they study and ask questions; it is free of negative judgments and discourages censorship, instead of encouraging an open and honest environment.
Students should be educated on the fundamentals of privacy. In the later stages of childhood, children may begin engaging in activities such as asking one another about their bodies. They may also begin steering at one another’s bodies in bathrooms, or even showing intimate body parts to one another. It is critical to discuss with students the fundamental rules of their bodies.
It is imperative that they understand that their bodies belong to them and that no one should touch them without their permission. Students should be taught to reject unwanted bodily contact, whether it is appropriate or not, including kissing, hugging, and other forms of physical contact.
The difference between a decent touch and a bad touch should be clear to them. The Underwear Rule is an excellent way to teach this. This indicates that touching anything covered by underpants is inappropriate. Additionally, they should be encouraged to seek advice from a trustworthy adult or family member when they are subjected to improper touching.
When students are taught there are positive secrets and bad secrets, they are less likely to be tricked by sexual abusers into keeping secrets. Particularly if they are being inappropriately handled or mistreated.
HACEY has engaged in helping young people understand their bodies and their sexuality, which has had a significant impact. Our Safe Space project and Youth Amplify provides a comfort zone and better understand of one’s sexuality.
Visit our website at www.hacey.org for more information.
Written By:
Michael Adegboye
