Puberty is the time when physical changes are often accompanied by emotional anxiety, and it is important for every child to understand the changes in their bodies and gain the information and skills they need to make the best decisions for themselves about sex and relationships throughout their lives. The World Health Organisation says ‘Sexuality education equips children and young people with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that help them to protect their health, develop respectful social and sexual relationships, make responsible choices and understand and protect the rights of others.’
The students of Class VIII recently had several intensive discussion sessions with trained educators from Pratisandhi, which is a nonprofit organization that focuses on comprehensive sexuality education as an important part of learning and growing. The sessions started with puberty and introduced a large spectrum of related issues such as sexism, homophobia, bullying gender norms, the sexuality spectrum, and emotional development. They also shared information about consent, healthy relationships, anatomy and physiology, peer pressure and strategies to counter it, establishing healthy boundaries and more. It was important learning experience for the students who had a large number of queries and were encouraged to freely clarify their misunderstandings.
Beyond giving young people facts, this inclusive sexuality education session provides skills such as effective communication, active listening, and the ability to make informed decisions that will help them to grow and live safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives
