Editorial | Sex education builds healthy relationships
- Despite controversy surrounding the latest official materials, it is important Hong Kong youngsters acquire the correct knowledge
Sex education has been widely recognised as an essential part of public education the world over. Exactly how to go about teaching it varies though, taking into account the cultures and values of different societies.
The scope and focus also may differ, ranging from child protection and moral education to public health, gender equality and family planning.
In Hong Kong, the task has long been embedded in the school curriculum, and sometimes not without controversy.
Officials have understandably switched to defence mode since their new sex education materials were ridiculed for being out of touch and unrealistic.
The new subject of Citizenship, Economics and Society for Form Three pupils covers the relationship between love and sex; the importance and ways of setting limits of intimacy; ways to cope with sexual fantasies and impulses; and the consequences of poor handling of intimate relationships.
Pupils in one activity are asked to sign a “commitment form” to set limits on intimacy and control their sexual impulses in certain ways.