Sex education

Sex education is education about sexual reproduction in human beings, sexual intercourse and other aspects of human sexual behavior.

Morality of sex education

One viewpoint on sex education, historically inspired by sexologists like Wilhelm Reich and psychologists like Sigmund Freud and James W. Prescott, holds that what is at stake in sex education is control over the body and liberation from social control. Proponents of this view tend to see the political question as whether society or the individual should dictate sexual mores. Sexual education may thus be seen as providing individuals with the knowledge necessary to liberate themselves from socially organized sexual oppression and to make up their own minds. In addition, sexual oppression may be viewed as socially harmful.

Related Topics:
Wilhelm Reich - Sigmund Freud - James W. Prescott - Mores - Sexual oppression

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A more common approach to sex education is to view it as necessary to reduce risk behaviours such as unprotected sex (these views sometimes are an element of those mentioned above), and equip individuals to make informed decisions about their personal sexual activity. Additionally, proponents of comprehensive sex education contend that education about homosexuality encourages tolerance, but does not "turn students gay" as some conservatives believe.

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To another large and vocal group in the sex education debate, the political question is whether the state or the family should dictate sexual mores. They believe that sexual mores should be left to the family, and sex-education represents state interference. They also claim that some sex education curricula are intended to break down pre-existing notions of modesty and encourage acceptance of practices they deem immoral, such as homosexuality and premarital sex. They cite web sites such as that of the Coalition for Positive Sexuality as examples.

Related Topics:
State - Family - Modesty - Homosexuality - Premarital sex - Coalition for Positive Sexuality

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If a person explains sexual matters to a child without a formal education program and without consent from the parents this may be considered inappropriate, and may in some cases be interpreted as suspicious child grooming.

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