PETALING JAYA: Existing sexual and reproductive health education curriculum in primary and secondary schools should be reviewed by the government and enhanced with teachers given the training to teach it, say experts.
This comes after studies showed that readily available pornographic material could, among others, influence children’s attitudes towards sex, sexualisation of others and behaviour on gender equality, with one indicating that Malaysians were being exposed to sexual content from as young as 14.
ALSO READ: Study shows pornography exposure begins as early as age 14
Children and teenagers, said experts, needed comprehensive sexual and reproductive education to protect them from the harmful effects of early exposure to sexual content and pornography online.
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman lecturer and Faculty of Arts and Social Science head Nur Afni Halil said despite it being a taboo topic in Malaysia, comprehensive sex education would not only deepen children’s knowledge of safe sex but also keep them safe from social ills.
“I hope our new government takes a proactive step and emphasises the need for this subject to be taught comprehensively in schools, especially to empower students against sexual crimes,” she said.
Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat had highlighted early last year that sexual crimes against children cases increased by almost 42% between 2020 and 2021, with an alarming 1,721 cases recorded within the first six months of 2020.
ALSO READ: ‘Talk early, talk often’ about sex
Nur Afni proposed that this comprehensive sex education syllabus be introduced to children as early as four years old so that they could learn to better understand their bodies, as well as the “no touch” zones and reproduction.
“The method adopted in the lessons should be brief and simple but factual, with a positive message shared with the student.
“On the other hand, teenagers should be taught about consent, how to differentiate a healthy from an unhealthy relationship, and how their bodies are changing with age,” she said.
The current school syllabus, called Reproductive and Social Health Education (Peers), is taught through the Physical and Health Education subject from Year One to Form Five, covering nutrition, first aid and reproductive and sexual health.
ALSO READ: Early sex exposure causing issues among children
However, studies showed that a large number of students received limited peer lessons, while many teachers were reluctant or lacked the necessary skills to teach it.
“We have a critical role in providing comprehensive sex education. However, I also understand that many remain conservative on this topic.
“The concept of ‘train the trainer’ has to be initiated and implemented.
“The government should also consider providing much needed resources and training to teachers to ensure the efficient delivery of sex education.
“The module should cover all elements, including lessons on staying healthy physically, mentally and emotionally. This is so that our young comprehend the issue and equip themselves with appropriate attitudes and knowledge to make prudent decisions to protect themselves throughout their lives,” said Nur Afni.
Andrea Koh, a sexologist and member of the women’s rights group All Women’s Action Society (Awam), said there should be a push towards introducing comprehensive sex education as a start to keep children safe from predators.
“An important benefit would be that it could result in lowering a child’s vulnerability to sexual crimes, especially in times like today when almost everyone is online.
“This will help a child evade child grooming activities, sexual exploitation, child pornography and others,” she said.
Koh said teaching sex education should be carried out in a calm and comfortable environment, especially from a young age, so that children would feel safer to share anything.
“Talking about sex with an adult that they trust provides a platform for open and non-judgmental communication, putting to rest any curiosity that might arise from the subject,” she said.
Sharing the goals of sex education, according to Koh, could be a critical first step in getting parents and teachers on the same page about the importance of comprehensive sex education for young children and adolescents.
“Examples of such goals include developing interpersonal skills and exercising responsibility regarding intimate relationships,” she said.
HELP University Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, Education and Languages dean Dr Gerard Louis said providing in-depth sexual and reproductive health education to children could equip the young with knowledge related to responsible sexual behaviour.
“When a child is exposed to something sexual, such as porn or any sexual show or scene, they will start to wonder what the act is about. This leads to some children wanting to explore more to satisfy their every growing need to understand,” he said.
