Parents and sex education
There is a myth that sex education leads to promiscuity.
Often it is uncomfortable for parents to talk to their young children about sex, but in this case ignorance is not bliss.
Far from it, children are exposed to information about sex from sources such as school, friends and social media at a much earlier age than many parents expect.
Similarly, parents should not rely on the school system to teach sex education.
If your child is taught sex education at school, they should be asked regularly what they have learned, and this information should be reviewed by you, the parent.
It is in this context that we applaud sections of a draft bill that make it compulsory for education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa to report those impregnating schoolgirls under the age of 16 to the relevant authorities, while staff guilty of fathering these babies will in addition be charged in accordance with the Public Service Act.
The Basic Education Bill also stipulates that as part of the prevention and management of learner pregnancy, comprehensive sex education will be taught from grade 4 or “at an appropriate age”, while pregnant learners will also be referred to social workers.
Critically, the education minister is also obliged to ensure that basic necessities, such as shelter, water, food, light, ventilation, sanitary facilities and access to emergency medical care are provided for in all schools.
Anyone who discriminates against a learner on the grounds of race, ethnic origin, colour, sex, religion, creed and social and economic status will be fined up to a maximum of N$20 000 or two years in prison.
Obviously there are contentious sections in the bill that have been raised by both parliamentarians and education experts, yet the stipulations on sex education cannot be compromised.
Parents and guardians need to become more actively involving in teaching their children about sex.
For too long the unscrupulous have taken advantage of young girls not understanding the consequences of experimenting with sex too early.
Often it is uncomfortable for parents to talk to their young children about sex, but in this case ignorance is not bliss.
Far from it, children are exposed to information about sex from sources such as school, friends and social media at a much earlier age than many parents expect.
Similarly, parents should not rely on the school system to teach sex education.
If your child is taught sex education at school, they should be asked regularly what they have learned, and this information should be reviewed by you, the parent.
It is in this context that we applaud sections of a draft bill that make it compulsory for education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa to report those impregnating schoolgirls under the age of 16 to the relevant authorities, while staff guilty of fathering these babies will in addition be charged in accordance with the Public Service Act.
The Basic Education Bill also stipulates that as part of the prevention and management of learner pregnancy, comprehensive sex education will be taught from grade 4 or “at an appropriate age”, while pregnant learners will also be referred to social workers.
Critically, the education minister is also obliged to ensure that basic necessities, such as shelter, water, food, light, ventilation, sanitary facilities and access to emergency medical care are provided for in all schools.
Anyone who discriminates against a learner on the grounds of race, ethnic origin, colour, sex, religion, creed and social and economic status will be fined up to a maximum of N$20 000 or two years in prison.
Obviously there are contentious sections in the bill that have been raised by both parliamentarians and education experts, yet the stipulations on sex education cannot be compromised.
Parents and guardians need to become more actively involving in teaching their children about sex.
For too long the unscrupulous have taken advantage of young girls not understanding the consequences of experimenting with sex too early.
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Namibian Sun
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