Attitudes of school children regarding the provision of sex education (Based on children aged 11-18 in the Horana Divisional Secretariat Division)

Abstract

Background: Sex education is the process of obtaining information and building attitudes and beliefs about sexuality, sexual identity, sexual relations, and reproduction. It is a process that starts in childhood and lasts throughout life. Sex education can be obtained formally and informally; formally through school and informally through parents, peer groups, or other trusted persons. Reflecting various cultural values, social norms, and religious beliefs, there are differences in the way sex education is provided in many countries of the world. Some countries provide education covering wide ranges, while some countries provide education subject to various limitations. Although some attempts have been made to introduce sex education into the school curriculum in Sri Lanka, the quality of providing sex education has become a complex problem due to conventional cultural and religious norms. To demonstrate the importance of sex education, is the sexuality education provided through the curriculum sufficient? The main objective is to study the attitudes of children regarding the formal provision of sex education included in the curriculum to study this problem. Method: For this study, four secondary schools with school child protection committees in the Horana Divisional Secretariat Division of the Kalutara District were selected, and a proportional stratified sample was used under the quantitative research principle. The questionnaire method and informal interviews were used as primary sources, and books, magazines, internet articles, research sources, etc., were used as secondary sources. Results: The readiness of the education system in our country to provide sex education taught in the school curriculum is at a minimum level, and the need for trained teachers for it must be met. The probability of an open and in-depth discussion about sexual matters between teachers and school students is low, and their satisfaction regarding the sexual matters discussed is low. Conclusion: Accordingly, this study emphasized that in the current social environment, the timely need to provide a formal sex education to all school students takes priority.