Our government has been promising proper sex education for almost a decade. What have youngsters achieved or gained from the current kind of sex education - safe promiscuity, skill in using a condom? I find 10 years after the Government's first promises, our young people still have scant knowledge of sex and its role in people's lives. It's high time we reviewed and revised the old curriculum and reconsidered the orientation of sex education. At present, youngsters are not ignorant in questions like where a child comes from, what a condom is. They know the biological facts of reproduction and possible ways for contraception as the old curriculum focuses on these subjects. Teachers have sufficient visual aids to explain these scientific details. This means the subject is presented in a rather cold way, although teachers find such forms of presentation less embarrassing. I think this form of presentation is a good way of introducing a sex education course, but in itself, it is not enough. Because of the design of the course, students learn about general sexual behaviour, but not about the psychology and morality of sex, which are of utmost importance for the preparation of their future lives. It is not good enough just to teach them 'how'. They also have to know 'why'. In an updated curriculum, young people must be taught about value judgments with regard to sex. Everybody is interested in or curious about sex, especially those reaching puberty. A proper sex education course should remove the aspect of mystery surrounding sex. Young people must learn to have a mature and sensible attitude towards sex and understand the importance of human relationships, not just between men and women, but also within the community in which they live. They must learn that sex is not a game. They must act with a sense of responsibility. In effect, they must learn to adopt a moral code. Through education, they can learn to think rationally and control their impulsive feelings. It's not uncommon to hear about two young people acting on impulse, spending the night together and finding their futures ruined by an unwanted pregnancy. Contraception pills and condoms should not be seen as permanent solutions. What is needed is a mature attitude towards the whole issue of personal, sexual relationships. If youngsters are eager to taste the forbidden fruits, they have to think carefully about the decision they are making and consider all the possible implications. The sex education curriculum should also include discussion of the concept of family. Students must learn to understand the importance of family. With the proper education, our young people can develop a mature attitude towards sex and lead healthy lives. For their sake, the Government cannot afford to hesitate or delay reforming the sex education curriculum. It's time for action, not words. HUNG MAN WO, RAYMOND New Territories
