The sexual-education curriculum debate

I do not normally touch on sensitive subjects on my blog. However one reason I started this was to share my views as a parent. I wanted to talk about something I am seeing a lot lately being discussed. I realize not everyone agrees, however we all have a right to our opinions.

I am seeing a lot of mixed emotions and comments about the new sexual-education curriculum in Ontario starting Sept. Ontario has announced its updated sexual-education curriculum for the first time in nearly two decades and it will be rolled out across the province this fall. This seems to be a sensitive matter for many parents.

Personally having had three children already past this point (learning sex education) and one yet to be there, I see no big deal! I get every parent wants to have control over what their children learn and have a say. However the truth is they already know. What they know however may not be 100% factual. Children get information from many sources and often are unable to determine what is fiction and what is not.

No matter how big of a bubble your kids are in, if they have friends, watch TV or are online, they have heard about sex. Chances are they have questions too!

I am hearing parents saying they are open to talking about this with their kids.

I am hearing others say their children are not ready.

The fact is the school will teach the basics in an age appropriate manner. They will open up the doors of communication and give children dialogue and a voice. For those children who are comfortable talking with their parents, they will come home and continue the discussion. For those who are not, they will at least have the information they need to grow.

Believe it or not, puberty happens earlier than you would expect!

The schools have always been neutral and non judgmental when it comes to educating children about their bodies and sexuality. They are not preaching, they are not promoting sex. They are providing scientific information and facts. As uncomfortable as it may be at first, children need this education in my opinion.

I have always been an open book when it comes to my children and their questions. Each would have questions at different ages, my answers were always age appropriate. Some parents are not comfortable with this, and that is fine! However sex should not be a taboo subject, children have the right to learn about their bodies. Many are not comfortable hearing about these things from mom or dad,and often parents are not comfortable either.

Mostly they will be talking about health, changes in the body and most importantly safety. Safety online, safety from predators and steps to keep privacy private.What they are taught will depend on their age.  They will learn about boundaries, the online world and what is not appropriate as far as social media, sexting and risks associated with sharing pictures online. We live in a digital world, a world that has evolved to allow bullies online, sexual predators on our children’s screens. It is no longer restricted to the radius of our small community.

Kids will be kids and they never think about the big picture. Talking about it in the classroom will help them see the consequences to their actions. Sending a picture to your boyfriend one day can potentially be seen by the entire country the next. This may lead to bullying, denial of jobs, labeling and worse. Kids will learn saying ‘no’ is okay and you have the right to do so. As adults we know this, however many children do not.

Parents should welcome this as a chance to not only educate our children but keep them safe as well.

Talking about sex does not mean your kids will be having it!

The other benefit of the new curriculum is the resources for parents. Again this is a different world than the one many of us grew up in. Some parents may not be aware of the dangers that lurk online and not have the ability address them or even find them. The valuable resources provided by the schools will help parents not only talk with their children, but be able to monitor things online more and see the warnings.

We now live in a world where violence is a fantasy, sex is everywhere and children have a hard time determining right from wrong. Video games, music, television and other media have glorified many elements many are afraid to welcome into their home. Naturally people would become curious and want to learn more. Education and guidance is a good thing, if not for these changes, we may all have a scary future ahead.

Or some real confused kids walking the streets, not saying all parents will misinform their children, but some will not knowing.

Makes me think about the Water Boy, as well meaning as some parents may be, they may be misleading their children.

Bobby Boucher: Everything is the devil to you, Mama! Well, I like school, and I like football! And I’m gonna keep doin’ them both because they make me feel good!

Bobby Boucher: [Bobby runs out, slamming the door, then comes back in] And by the way, Mama. “Alligators” are ornery ’cause of their “Medula Oblongata”!

Bobby Boucher: [Bobby runs back out, then back in again] And I like Vicki, and she like me back! And she showed me her boobies and I like them too!

If you are still uncomfortable with this, talk to your child’s school. Maybe sit in on a class and show interest in what is being taught, you may be surprised. Open up the gates to communication in your home and let your children know they can talk to you about anything anytime.

 

I have seen my share of kids who had nobody to talk to. No one to answer their questions, scared and feeling alone. I see this as a benefit and a valuable resource for today’s youth. I do not expect everyone to agree with me, however for some kids this is the only option.

You can read more about this new curriculum here