Opinions in the education sector differ on the teaching of Sexual Education in schools and at home.
However, early knowledge of the subject is necessary to protect children from sex predators and practices that may hamper them physically and mentally.
It is believed that parents should take up the responsibility as soon as children gain consciousness of their sexuality, particularly when they start asking questions about themselves.
Parents are encouraged not hide the truth from their children, but teach them what they need to know based on their level of comprehension and take them gradually as they develop.
The rationale is to catch them young and prevent them from getting the wrong information from outsiders who may eventually exploit them.
If children are not taught the right things about sex and how to protect themselves, someone else would teach them the wrong things and jeopardise their future.
Children need to know about pregnancy, the implication of teenage pregnancy and the dangers of getting pregnant out of wedlock and its implications on their future.
When children or teenagers are properly guided about their sexuality, it would not only help in safeguarding their future, but will equally prevent teenage pregnancy and curb the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Some might feel that religion and culture put a hold on these topics, but even The Bible commanded that children be trained in the way they should grow, which with understanding, includes sex education.
Our society has become very complex with the growth of technology which exposes children to obscene contents from celebrities, media houses and various parties promoting immorality. This alone made it crucial for the family and schools to properly guide children. Every parent has the responsibility to teach children perspectives in every aspect of life including sexuality.
Homes are the primary learning places for children, the school and other arms of the society comes next.
Excerpts from Vanguard Newspapers.