In a storm of responses to the story on Bengaluru schools finding condoms and contraceptives in students’ bags, experts have urged the government to introduce sex education.
‘Condoms’, ‘Contraceptives’ found in students’ bag
In an exercise to check the school bags of students in Bengaluru to curb the rising incidence of students carrying mobile phones to school, teachers and authorities have been left stunned after discovering items like condoms, cigarettes, lighters, and contraceptive pills.
The random bag-checking was started across several schools in the city following orders by the Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS). The items were seized from bags of students in Classes 8, 9, and 10, reported Deccan Herald.
The trend has left teachers and school authorities concerned. Following the seizures, several schools held meetings with the parents of concerned students. The principal of a school in Nagarabhavi told the paper that parents were equally shocked and they too informed the school about “sudden behavioral changes in children”.
A need for sex education
After this shocking incident, experts have urged the government to introduce sex education. At present, the government-prescribed does not have sex education. However, schools have been engaging nonprofits to conduct sex education sessions.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Bharati Singh of Sa-Mudra Foundation said that sex education is a must. “Even in the NEP position paper on counseling and guidance, we’ve recommended sex education after a certain age,” she said.
“At least 60 percent of the parents still practice traditional parenting. Some parents still feel embarrassed to talk about love and sex with their kids. We are dealing with informed kids. It’s time to understand that sex education is very important,” she added.
Author Vasudhendra, in a Facebook post, welcomed children for being aware. “It is impossible to keep sexual issues a secret when everything is available at the fingertips. I still remember some innocent kids losing their lives because of the lack of knowledge about safety. So, I consider this as progressive,” he said.
“While we can’t celebrate, we should be happy that children know something about sexual health and hygiene.”
Child rights activist Nagasimha G Rao said sex education should teach children about the human body, feelings, menstrual hygiene, and control over the mind and body.
Academics and writers VP Niranjanaradhya, K Marulasiddappa, Vasundara Bhoopati, G Ramakrishna, SG Siddaramaiah, Kalegowda Nagawara, Surendra Rao, and Vijaya issued a joint statement urging the government to start sex education in schools. “This is a long-pending demand and the government should consider it now,” they said.
Also, the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has recorded a ‘suo motu’ case directing the Department of Public Instruction to make it compulsory for schools to have counselors.
Also, the Karnataka Private School College Parent Associations Coordination Committee has presented a request to School Education & Literacy Minister BC Nagesh to convene a meeting of stakeholders to discuss the need for sex education.
