Awareness Of Sex Education Among Higher Secondary School Students
Keywords:
Sex education, sexual health education, adolescent health, higher secondary school students, secondary education, awareness level, knowledge and attitudes, reproductive healthAbstract
Adolescence is a pivotal period of growth and development that is characterised by extensive physical, mental and psychological
transformation. Students in this age group are faced with identity, relational and sexual issues in transition towards adulthood, leaving them more susceptible to misinformation, peer pressure, harmful behaviour and abuse. Hence, sex education is an important part of adolescents’ development, providing them with information regarding reproductive health, relationships, consent and self well - being to enable them to make appropriate sexual health-related decisions. Despite policy-level acknowledgement, awareness and comprehension of sex education among higher secondary school students in India continue
to be inconsistent. This study aims to assess awareness and level of knowledge about sex education among higher secondary school students. A descriptive survey method was used and data was collected from 200 higher secondary school students of Chandigarh. Findings showed that the majority of students showed only a moderate level of sex education awareness. Compared to boys, girls demonstrated a greater awareness of reproductive health, hygiene and safe practices. The study suggest the need for more thorough, organised and inclusive sex education programmes that cover emotional intelligence, consent, healthy relationships, digital literacy and the physical aspects of sexuality which will help students make safe, responsible and informed decisions.
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