Sex education program should be started in the country, why did the Supreme Court give this suggestion?:

New Delhi. The Supreme Court has suggested the Central Government to implement a comprehensive sex education program to curb the crime of child pornography. This program should also include the legal and moral consequences of pornography. This can help in preventing criminals. In this program, the misconceptions spread about sex education should be removed and the youth should be clearly explained about consent and harassment.

The Supreme Court said these things in its decision declaring watching pornographic videos and possessing its content a crime under POCSO and IT Act.

'There is confusion about sex education in India'

The court has considered the hesitation in discussing sex education and the confusion about such education in India as a major obstacle in the lack of correct information about sex education among teenagers. The court said that there is widespread confusion about sex education in India. Even many parents and teachers have a narrow view about it and consider talking about sex to be inappropriate and immoral.

This social stigma has led to a reluctance to talk openly about sexual health, which has led to a significant knowledge gap among adolescents. There is also a myth that sex education will make young people behave irresponsibly and willfully. Critics often say that providing information about sexual health and contraception will lead to increased sexual activity among adolescents.

While research shows that comprehensive sex education actually delays sexual activity and makes those who are sexually active safer, there is also a perception that sex education is a Western concept and does not align with traditional Indian values.

Ban sex education in schools

This thinking has led to sex education being banned in schools in many states. Such opposition is a hindrance to implementing comprehensive sexual health programs and due to this many adolescents do not get the right information. Due to this, adolescents and young people turn to the Internet where they get unmonitored and unfiltered information, which is often incorrect and can sow the seeds of unhealthy behavior.

It is also a misconception that sex education is limited only to the biological aspect of procreation. It said that effective sex education includes a wide range of topics which include health, relationships, consent, gender equality and respect for diversity. It is important to focus on these topics to promote gender equality and reduce sexual violence. The court praised the success of Jharkhand's Udaan program.