This Comment of the Day was by wellokaythen on the post How We Can Improve Sex Ed for Boys?
wellokaythen said:
“One problem is that in some schools, sex ed is still not much more than information about the basics of human reproduction. Then, added to that the students get the facts about sexually transmitted diseases. So, sex ed becomes all about having babies (or not) or getting a disease (or not). Period. You would never know from these classes that people actually enjoy sex or get any satisfaction out of it or see it in complicated, sophisticated ways. They know that adults are having sex for more reasons than just babymaking, so the class rings hollow.
That probably leaves a lot of students somewhat alienated, because they know that there’s something clearly going on that’s not just about having babies and swapping germs.
Also, it would take a lot of courage, on the order of career suicide, for a teacher in most schools to talk openly and objectively about masturbation as part of human sexuality. In some schools, it’s inconceivable to talk about any sexual act at all that is not PIV intercourse. I think a healthier approach to masturbation would make a big difference in the lives of many young men.
Finally, don’t forget that there is a large percentage of high school students who are NOT having sex and who don’t anticipate having sex anytime soon. Hard to believe in this day and age, but possibly some people are tuning out because they don’t see sex anywhere in their near future. You may as well be teaching them about home mortgages and retiling the kitchen. I remember feeling very discouraged about this in high school, even depressed about it, so I probably came across as inattentive in that class.”
photo by rossaroni / flickr
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Interesting point….I remember watching the director’s commentary on the French film, “Amelie” on DVD….he said that the ending scene where the shy and enigmatic Amelie finally hooks up with her crush shows young people how to be romantic with each other….I was a bit surprised with that statement, but there is truth to it….I think the guys I have been with have been cruel and mean in subtle and sometimes overt ways….perhaps some people just don’t know how to show tenderness without meanness….I think when you think you are in love, you try to block out the negative comments…and yet,… Read more »
what the f*ck are you talking about
Good point. Even more could be said. Young people could be given an opportunity to think about emotions that are involved, responsibilities, wonders and pitfalls. They don’t need to be told what to think but could be encouraged to think more deeply and broadly.
Thanks for opening the conversation.
I respectfully disagree. Kids aren’t ready for it. Nor should teachers add their personal beliefs and wonders and pitfalls to the class. I don’t trust the public school system to do it right. I wouldn’t want some disgruntled civil servant who just got a divorce teaching our kids how ‘wonderful’ her sex life is. Yikes. Kids start asking the “where do babies come from” usually around 4-6 years old. Parents give the age-appropriate response depending on the child and timing. (The birds and bees, the stork, or when mommies and daddies fall in love…) The simple basic watered down version–not… Read more »