Misunderstanding the topic "SEX EDUCATION" has left many parents, guardians, and even teachers with a partial idea of the knowledge they are inculcating into the young ones in the society.
The first thing that comes to mind of a child old enough to understand what sex education means is a lesson about abstaining from sex, things not to do with the opposite gender, and many others. These things are right but sex education is incomplete without teaching such children the values of their gender and this is where many people have made mistakes with raising their young ones.
Every gender has values that must be taught to our young ones, and it shouldn't end with just regular talks of sex education.
I remembered many years ago when I reached puberty, my mom saw the signs and told me some things.
Don't stay alone with girls, you can impregnate a lady if you have sexual intercourse, and many other warnings.
They were the regular things you would hear from parents because they don't want you bringing home an unwanted pregnancy and many children out of curiosity have turned deaf ears to the lessons. Teaching a child the value of their gender alongside sex education is a great thing to do.
No one wants to see their child's future get ruined regarding things that have to do with sex but what happens in the future when they are old enough to make decisions without seeking your consent or teaching?
The regular lessons we teach as sex education becomes irrelevant at a stage in life but including the values of gender make those lessons something to abide by forever. I mentioned earlier that every gender has its values and I will love to talk about a few of them.
Taking responsibility: Both males and females are meant to take responsibility in life. One of the problems the world is facing today is people not taking responsibility.
Imagine teaching a child about the negative effect of early sex and the importance of taking responsibility will make the child understand that it is not just about the sex, he or she can't take responsibility if the outcome of disobedience comes up which will ruin his or her future in the long run.
Taking responsibility is one of the values of every gender and it must be taught.
Respecting your gender and another gender.
This thing called respect shouldn't be one-sided for any gender, every gender is expected to give and receive it as well.
Because you are male doesn't mean you shouldn't respect a female, you might be strong but your strength doesn't exempt you from respecting the other gender.
The world has developed a lot and things aren't what they use to be but it is disappointing to see that there are still taboos and restrictions holding back the female gender. The female gender gets most of the attention when it comes to sex education because of their body, it is okay but the male gender also needs to be taken seriously.
Aside from the act of sex, the female gender should know these things.
There is no limit to what they can achieve in life: Some environments, societies, and beliefs still restrict the female gender from pursuing their dreams because they think females are meant to make babies and do house chores only.
That's not true, female children can have a career and become great.
A female child can be independent: I have seen a few instances of female children who think they do not exist without depending on a male.
I had an ugly experience a few days ago, a lady threw herself at some guys just because she needed some money. There is nothing wrong with working as a female, you can take care of yourself even if no one is ready to do it willingly. It doesn't end well most times when a female feels and acts upon the fact that a male is obligated to care for them.
I am not saying you can't depend on a man but there has to be a stage your relationship must have reached with that male.
I have seen males misbehave with females who depend on them and I don't think it is cool. A lady was beaten by her boyfriend and she said she can't leave him because he is providing for her needs, it is not taboo for a female to provide for herself as long as she is old enough to work.
Depending on the male gender is why some females end up with unwanted pregnancies and abuse, the mindset of depending on a male should be eradicated and this can be done while teaching sex education.
You are a female for a reason and these reasons should be taught alongside sex education.
There is usually not much to talk about when it has to do with teaching a male child sex education and we can see what that has resulted in the society.
Domestic violence here and there with men being at the center is one of the results of taking sex education lightly for a male child.
A male who understands his values wouldn't beat up a woman even when she is wrong.
He won't neglect his responsibilities nor will he leave his family and loved ones unprotected.
Sex education and Gender value is a wide topic every parent, guardian, and teacher should look into. Sex education can be picked up anywhere but only a few people understand the importance of gender values.
Teaching gender values wouldn't benefit only the child, the society will gain a lot from it as well. Let's make it a priority.