The National Education Policy (NEP) places sex education within the broader category of “ethical and moral reasoning.” This component aims to support “basic health and safety training, as a service to oneself and to those around us.” It offers limited references to topics such as consent, harassment, respect for women, safety, family planning, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), with even less emphasis on digital safety.
NCERT textbooks introduce the ideas of “good touch” and “bad touch” in early Environmental Studies (EVS) classes. Experts have questioned whether this terminology is sufficient or appropriate.
The moral question
Psychologist and counsellor Ms. Akhila Phadnis said, “Sex education should not be associated with morality. What happens when unsafe touch feels good to the child? How are we teaching them consent and ‘No’ means ‘no.’ Both parents and schools should guide children in understanding their boundaries and encourage them to communicate safely with trusted adults. We need a generation that is well-equipped with knowledge about health, hygiene, and safe expressions of sexuality.”
She added, “In today’s world, it is essential to equip children with the right tools to stay safe and ensure they have a trusted adult to talk to — whether it’s about their bodies, online predators, or offline threats. As adults, we must provide them with the right information and resources so they are informed rather than fearful.”
Many schools in India do not provide adequate sexual education. Teachers often lack the training and resources required to handle the subject effectively. Some schools address only the biological aspects in a clinical manner, while others exclude the topic altogether, replacing it with general workshops on health and hygiene, Ms Phadnis says.
Sex educator Ms. Swati Jagdish said, “It is crucial to train both parents and teachers, as they are the primary sources of culturally sensitive education for children. The current curriculum is highly clinical, whereas sexual education involves emotions, hormones, bodily intelligence, and discussions on boundaries. Parents also require a support system to openly discuss these topics. Celebrity endorsements can amplify these movements.”
A broad topic
The environments in which students grow up — both at school and at home — play a significant role in shaping their understanding of sexual education. Researchers Tripathi, N. and Sekher, T. V., in their article “Youth in India Ready for Sex Education? Emerging Evidence from National Surveys,” argue that sex education should be implemented at the school level in a culturally sensitive manner. Their work underscores the importance of a curriculum that reflects the link between social change and sexuality.
Sexual education includes more than just lessons on reproduction. Topics such as gender identity, interpersonal relationships, and social justice are also integral. Instruction in consent, personal boundaries, and abuse prevention aims to foster a more equitable society. India has over 2.5 million people living with HIV, the second-highest number globally, according to the World Health Organization. Public health outcomes may be improved by educating young people on STIs, HIV/AIDS, and the consequences of unprotected sex.
Counselling psychologist Ms. Namrata Thomas said, “Comprehensive Sexuality Education covers more than periods and safety. The curriculum includes age-appropriate topics such as health, hygiene, consent, hormones, digital literacy, substance use, and risky behavior. Engaging children through art, music, and brainstorming enhances learning. Parents should be aware of the content their children consume and create an environment where open discussions are encouraged.”
Child psychologist Ms. Ektha YP said, “Sex education is not just about intercourse; it encompasses bodily changes, hormones, and emotions. Children will inevitably receive information online or from peers, which may be inaccurate. Providing them with age-appropriate, factual knowledge is essential. Consent should be taught from an early age, beginning with simple interactions like asking for permission before helping a child change. With the rise of digital communication, parents and schools must educate children on online grooming and recognizing red flags. This can be done through conversations, behavioural observations, and understanding children’s mindsets.”
Counter-intuitive benefits
Studies indicate that comprehensive sexuality education can delay the onset of sexual activity, reduce its frequency, and reduce the occurrence of risky sexual behaviour. It can also improve awareness and acceptance of individuals within the LGBTQA+ community. Improved understanding may enhance relationships and communication across gender identities.
Research also shows that implementing sex education in schools can influence gender dynamics both in homes and communities. Respect, mutual understanding, and open communication are outcomes associated with well-designed sex education programs.
Access to sex education is affected by social structures. Students from lower castes may face barriers such as discrimination, harassment, and school-based violence, limiting their access to reproductive health information. Differences in cultural beliefs between caste groups may also influence perspectives on gender roles and sexuality.
Gender-based barriers persist. Studies show that girls often face more significant restrictions than boys due to stigma, safety concerns, and mobility issues. Transgender and non-binary students frequently encounter exclusion, as curricula and delivery methods do not always reflect gender diversity.
Integration with curriculum
Volunteers at Karpom Karpipom, an NGO working in the area of child safety and comprehensive sexuality education, have developed a curriculum for government schools in Tamil Nadu.
Ms. Subhashini, a volunteer, said, “Children are curious but often do not know whom to turn to for answers.” She added that social conditioning begins early, and children start perceiving the world through a gendered lens even at a young age.
Mr. Sharath Kumar, also a volunteer, stated, “Eighty percent of our work involves educating adults on how to listen to children when they express concerns about safe and unsafe behaviour. We developed a curriculum tailored for government schools in Tamil Nadu by referencing UNESCO Heritage materials, Netherlands school frameworks, and Samacheer Kalvi textbooks. This approach helps us engage children in discussions on stigma, myths, patriarchy, and social conditioning.”
He added, “I regularly talk to students about bodily changes, self-esteem, handling rejection, gender identity, and character assassination.”
Published – April 07, 2025 05:58 pm IST