Introduction
Senator Barack Obama told Planned Parenthood Tuesday that sex education for kindergartens as long as it is “age-appropriate” is “the right thing to do”. He has further stated that teaching kindergartens about “inappropriate touching “should act as potential weapons against crimes on children in America. (Sex Ed for Kindergarteners ‘Right Thing to Do’ Says Obama, 2007). Though the child’s first lessons on sex should begin from home it would be effective if school teachers join hands in imparting sex education to children as a child spends a considerable time with his teachers who are his second parents. Hence, sex education as an internal part of elementary school, should function to provide awareness on the atrocities committed on the innocent.
Main text
Conservatives and Liberals in America have always debated whether schools should teach sex education or not. It is indeed sad that every time a child becomes a potential prey, the political leaders have to sit back at a round table thinking about the inclusion of the subject and arguing with each other. A rather dismal picture appears before us when we hear reports of attacks against children. Teachers can definitely contribute a lot where the importance of imparting the necessary and appropriate is concerned. Every moment a child becomes a potential customer to a maniac.
Schools should assign separate hours wherein the basic lessons are highlighted. Their natural curiosity about their body parts, the changes that can be expected in them, the onset of puberty and their physical and emotional changes should be answered as true as possible. I believe every child takes his teacher’s words to be true. So the teacher could be the best guide to any child.
The child spends a considerable amount of time amongst his friends and teachers. This could be his first contact with society. It could also foster relationships with different people. The teacher is the right person who could drive home the points on sex education comfortably as many parents generally avoid talking on the subject as they get embarrassed. Eventually the child becomes a stranger to his physique and in turn a helpless victim of sexual abuse. Hence the school’s role is significant.
Kids are overly conscious and therefore they have to get their primary lessons on sex before the start of puberty. Their curiosity should be satisfied with simple and straight answers using illustrations as far as possible. It could prepare them to meet adult life without feeling shy or awkward about the gradual and evolving differences in them. The school is the right place to inculcate in them the right beliefs, attitudes and ideas about their identity, sexuality and intimacy.
This could increase their morale in society and help them blossom into responsible citizens. At an early age, the stages of the person’s development, body image, gender roles and emotions should be treated with due regard. The explanation to the changes within themselves can take away the ignorance that can lead them to commit errors in their judgments of people around them. Talks and friendly sessions with teachers can enrich their minds; boost their self-confidence and self-esteem. The child would definitely grow up from being afraid, confused and shy into a citizen well aware of his manners and deeds and the society around him.
He could protect himself against miscreants whose hobby is to fiddle with children. He can also give guidance to his friends younger to him, his own younger brothers and sisters who require his support. All this could be effectively achieved in a school as the teacher could impart essential details on the social evil as an outsider giving no room for embarrassment.
Cases of rape and pedophilia are on the rise. It is the duty of every adult in society to stand up against the rising injustices meted out to children. Schools should approach the government regarding the implementation methods and the government on the other hand should support schools as organizations that work round the clock to the welfare of kids.
Summary
All possible help should be rendered by the government to make sex education mandatory in every school of America to rise up against rape, pedophilia and mental frustration.
Hence, sex education as an integral part of elementary school could increase awareness among children and promote social welfare.
Works cited
Sex Ed for Kindergarteners ‘Right Thing to Do’ Says Obama. abc News. 2007. Web.