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O
Mississauga | Ontario | Canada
May, 2015
Our parents never ever talked to us about sex-ed and that was fine to some extent since it was such taboo to mention even. However we had no other means really to investigate and find out. No internet, no media, very minimum really. Couldn’t go to the library without our parents taking us there and signing books out for us!
Which is why, today's children are lucky they are getting the information directly from school. If you read the curriculum, it is not anything most kids don’t already know. Kids are already having conversations at school about sex, they just don’t rush home and tell us!
I tell my kids I'm here for them for anything, and that I should be able to address anything that they might come across, which includes the topic of puberty, sex ed and all things related.
We live in a community where same-sex couples exist, and our kids learning about these in school is not harming them, it is rather just addressing the obvious.
Names of body parts??? We all need to know those from an early age, and we need to tell them the correct names. Good touch bad touch has to be discussed. They need to know you as a parent will support them through anything. Pulling them out of classes is denying them the knowledge they need to have to face the changing world of today that is powered by the Internet! If we don’t talk about it, they somehow will have access to the information…and perhaps the wrong information. We can control what they know by using age appropriate information, the words we use, and the extent of how open the discussions can be around family members.
It is not a comfortable conversation, but it is better to have all doors open for your child to feel comfortable to come to you rather than seek information/advice from the Internet or friends. It was never okay for us to have these conversations with our parents, but we all know how that felt…the awkwardness and all. I would have liked my parents, to have addressed at least the basics of puberty and growth. Sex is normal. We are sexual beings. Sooner or later the curiosity peeks, and I would rather educate my children about the good, the bad and the ugly.
Educate them on the consequences of their choices. THAT is my duty. THAT is my priority. Children understand more and more now…we bring them up with choices and the results of those choices everyday, so why not about this very very natural and important part of their growth?
A mom of 3 school-goers
Her identity has been kept confidential on request.
While Canada is going gung-ho about stopping sex-education, a transgender has quietly been appointed as college principal in India. Quiz: Which is the 'developed country'?
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Ontario must stay the course on sex education
Uncomfortable; but sex-education is a must for my children
Bill Doermann
High School Principal, Ohio, USA
I
Powel, Ohio | USA
May, 2015
I think sex-education is needed very much at all levels. It is needed more at the elementary level. I think it's a good idea.
Children are being exposed already to sex information, rather mis-information, in school-buses, classes, through the internet, much more than parents think they do. However, they are mostly mis-informed. Sex-education is going to give them the right information.
The children need to be educated the basics of sex. Parents may try to protect them from these information as much as they want, but there are other students, other ways they can get information. The children need a professional setting to get the information in the right way.
As professional educator, teachers should be able to deal with the embarrassment this sometimes creates in class. If the teacher is really uncomfortable, the institution should get a professional to talk about this. Especially in regards to teen-pregnancy kids need to be educated to be completely aware.
What is the curriculum all about?
Grade 1
Students in Grade 1 will be taught the proper names for body parts – something child-abuse investigators have long urged.
They will also learn how to recognize non-verbal signals, such as facial expressions and tone of voice, to better communicate with others.
Grade 2
In Grade 2, students will learn about bodily changes and development, verbal and physical violence, and the concept that “no means no.”
Grades 3-4
Grade 3 students will learn about same-sex relationships, while the physical, emotional and social impacts of puberty will move from Grade 5 to Grade 4.
In Grade 10, students will continue to learn what factors influence sexual decision-making, including personal values, peer and family expectations, and media messages.
Under the current sex education program, Grades 9 and 10 students focus on promoting healthy sexuality, preventing sexually transmitted infections, and identifying the stages of sexuality.
Grades 11-12
Similarly to the existing program, students in Grades 11 and 12 will focus on how to use decision-making skills to create healthy relationships.
They will also learn about reducing the stigma around mental illness, and taking proactive health measures.
Which is the third world?
In Grade 5, students will continue learning about puberty, including menstruation and spermatogenesis, and how these processes relate to reproduction.
Students in Grade 6 will learn about masturbation and “gender expression.” They will also be educated on how to build healthy relationships and consent.
Grades 7-8
In Grades 7-8, students will learn about the dangers of “sexting.” They will also discuss contraception, anal and oral sex, and ways to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
Grades 9-10
Teaching materials on mental health, previously relegated to older grades, will be introduced in Grade 9. Grade 9 students will also explore gender identity, sexual orientation and the resources available for support.
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India gets its first transgender college principal
M
Manabi Bandopadhyay has been appointed India’s first ever out transgender college principal.
She will next month take charge of the Krisnanagar Women’s College.
Her appointment is significant as transgender people are often stigmatised in Indian society.
“Of course I am excited, but the media attention has left me in a tizzy. I have been flooded with calls. I understand that my achievement is a big step forward for the transgender movement in the country, but my priority is my students.” she told the Indian Express.
Ms Bandopadhyay worked in a government college for eight years before transitioning, and said she often faced issues around “which washroom I should be allowed to use”.
Reflecting on being called derogatory terms for appearing as a feminine man before her transition, she said afterwards colleagues attempted to convince her to dress as a man.
“I have never really hankered for this post. But I have realised that if you are diligent in your work, people start respecting you no matter what kind of prejudices they harbour,” says Manabi, reflecting on issues changing.
“This decision was taken by the College Service Commission. I don’t interfere in their decisions. They are aware of our open mind. I am happy with this decision,” state education minister Partha Chatterjee commented to the Times of India.
Bandopadhyay is expected to take up the role on 8 June.
Earlier this year, for the first time, a transgender candidate won a mayoral election in the country.
Madhu Kinnar, an independent candidate, won the election in the Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh Municipal Corporation by 4357 votes on 4 January.
Reminder: A close encounter with the third kind
(Sometimes back in 1994)
Meanwhile....
