According to a report by the Government of India on Children Sexual Abuse, nearly three-fourths (72%) of children who experience sexual abuse do not come out to report the crime.” In most cases, this can be attributed to the feelings of shame and stigma—"undue'stigma, as survivors of rape and sexual violence often call it. Many such individuals are subject to overwhelming internal and external forces that foster submissiveness out of the necessity of not being scorned. This persistent psychology of shame is therefore not only responsible for silencing the victims but also inhibits their withdrawal from looking for help and support.
In addition, the situation becomes worse due to the prevailing culture about sexual issues in India. Discussing sex education, sex, sexual relations, and even sexual abuse is fraught with embarrassment. This inability to talk about and focus on'sexual’ issues has created a cloak of silence and secrecy, which makes abuse complainants reluctant to give evidence. Deep-seated cultural notions about sexuality, which have been taboo for ages, are the reason for this absent discussion about sexual violence, making it even more difficult to respond to the issues at hand.
The Need for Sex Education
Apprehending what sex education is is very pivotal to include in any discourse about the discussion. Not only do concepts pertaining to sex come into play, but rather it goes deeper into safe sex practice, menstruation, contraception, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, and so on.
Sex education has remained taboo for various reasons, largely due to political, social, and cultural factors that include age, lack of knowledge and misconceptions about what sex education is, and the persistence of the social stigma that surrounds it.
Nonetheless, it becomes important for society to grasp the significance of sex education, owing to the increasing punishment and violation of all shattered sex and gender stereotypes.
The statistical data provided on the unreported cases points towards the urgent need to educate children about sex and the differences between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ touch. The report by the Youth Coalition for Sexual and Reproductive Rights highlights the importance of children understanding the difference between such touches to avoid a trailing scare of sexual abuse.
Rise of the Stigma
Despite efforts by the Government of India and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to incorporate sex education into the school curriculum in 2007, several states have opted to either ban or refrain from implementing these educational reforms. Specifically, the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh have enacted bans or declined to adopt sex education programs within their schools. This resistance underscores the ongoing challenges in advancing comprehensive sex education across various regions.
Problems Caused by the Stigma
An article by the Times of India on Sex Education highlights that anonymous calls made to the HIV/AIDS helpline reported 70% of the callers being below the age of 30, and 33% falling in the age group of 15-24.
This grappling information highlights the consequence of failing to include sex education in the school’s curriculum.
Additionally, a profile made by the Consortium on National Consensus for Medical Abortion on safe and unsafe abortion revealed that mostly teen girls undergo unsafe abortion due to unplanned pregnancies. This is where the knowledge of contraceptives and their uses comes into play.
A report submitted in the National Library of Medicine also reported that, "Culturally, in many parts of India, menstruation is still considered to be dirty and impure.” It further highlights a woman’s role in the family while menstruating: "Women are prohibited from participating in normal life while menstruating. She must be “purified” before she is allowed to return to her family and the day-to-day chores of her life.”
A New Outlook
The key challenge at hand is understanding how progress can be made in this sensitive area at the nation level. Given the rising trends in harassment and abuse, it’s important that young people, especially children, are informed about relevant issues related to sexual health and safety. This includes but is not limited to knowing the difference between good and bad touch, the difference between yes and no, the use of safe contraceptives, and practicing safe sex to keep away from sexually transmitted diseases.
Opposition towards sex education often arises from fears of misunderstandings between teachers and a child’s parents, concerns about mixed-gender classes fostering sexual desires, and fear that sex education may pique their interest in pornographic activities.
To address these issues, it is essential to deal with them with respect and base them on sound evidence in order to allow sex education to fulfill its role of protection and educating children.
A Step Forward
Addressing these challenges is a fundamental step in the process of implementing comprehensive sex education on a national scale.
One key issue is the potential awkwardness that may arise during sex education lessons. To mitigate this, educational institutions can consider hiring medical professionals on an hourly basis for weekly or biweekly sessions. These professionals could be specifically designated as "safe space" mentors, ensuring that their role is clearly defined and distinct from that of traditional educators. This approach not only helps to ease any discomfort among students but also provides them with a trusted resource for confidential guidance.
In terms of class composition, the introduction of separate sessions for girls and boys could be a prudent strategy. This would allow for a more tailored and comfortable learning environment, accommodating the preferences and comfort levels of both students and their legal guardians. While co-educational classes represent a progressive step forward, it is essential to approach this transition gradually. Implementing gender-segregated classes initially can help build confidence and ensure that all students feel at ease with the material being presented. Over time, as comfort levels increase, institutions can consider integrating co-educational sessions, aligning with the evolving needs and preferences of the student body.
Pornography addiction is a serious problem affecting us globally. It is estimated that roughly 13% of the world population is addicted to porn. What’s even more concerning is that 40% of children aged 10–17 have been exposed to online pornography either accidentally or intentionally. An article on the Alarming Porn Addiction Statistics highlights further horrifying numbers on the addiction.
To combat this, the government of every country needs to have stringent laws when it comes to access to such sites. Even though countries claim that such laws are established, they need to make amendments to reduce the numbers that showcase the state of addiction. With stronger regulations, bringing in visually-aided sex education will not be an issue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that introducing a well-rounded sex education is not just important but is vital in the currently challenging times. Its benefits far outweigh the challenges it poses. Thus, it is not just a matter of discomfort or even controversy, because sex education, when done well, equips people with the right information and skills to deal with very complex issues such as addiction, harassment, or the embarrassment of not reporting a sexual assault. It contributes to fighting against misinformation, secrecy and shame By teaching about consent, relationships, and safe sex, along with the proper comprehension of self-control and self-determination, education will avert abuse and cultivate an environment where abuse is reported. Ultimately, the acceptance and promotion of inclusive sexual comprehension will lead to better, stronger, and more considerate communities that address sexual violence and harassment effectively.
