Face Off: Should parents have a say in the curricula for sex education in schools?
Hong Kong’s new sex education syllabus sparks debate; some advocate for parental involvement, others argue for an evidence-based approach
Should parents have a say in the curricula for sex education in schools? Photo: SCMPEach week, two readers discuss a hot topic in a parliamentary-style debate that doesn’t necessarily reflect their personal viewpoints.
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For: Anson Ng Wai-yan, 13, St Mary’s Canossian College
The ongoing debate surrounding sex education in Hong Kong has garnered significant attention as the Education Bureau has released its suggestions in new teaching materials. Authorities have taken a questionable approach by suggesting that teenagers replace intimate encounters with friendly badminton games. The module also includes a commitment form for students to pledge self-control and advises dressing modestly to avoid temptation.
Students and educators have expressed concerns that the latest materials are impractical and out of touch. If the government strictly enforces the new curriculum, it will be walking a tightrope or may irritate students and parents. To address these concerns, parents should have a voice in the sex education curriculum for young people.
Commencing with the understanding that sex education is intricately linked to family cultural values and religious beliefs, it becomes evident that parents play a pivotal role in teens’ sex education. Their insights on how sex education aligns with family values can help young people respect diverse perspectives and cultivate a cohesive learning experience.
Furthermore, the new curriculum lacks comprehensiveness. With rapid societal changes and increasing access to information, students encounter various perspectives on sexuality that are often not reflected in school teachings. Open discussions between teachers and students during class time are simply insufficient.
Students say Hong Kong needs a more progressive approach to sex education
To alleviate this controversy, parents can advocate for a comprehensive sex education curriculum that encompasses not only biological aspects but also emotional and social dimensions.
This approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded education, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and relationships, supported by their families.
Ultimately, involving parents in the development of the sex education curriculum is essential for creating a culturally sensitive, relevant programme that supports the diverse needs of students and the wider community. This collaborative effort serves the best interests of all parties involved in society.
Against: Ellisha Yao, 16, German Swiss International School Hong Kong
Parental involvement in schools has always been a significant point of contention, particularly surrounding sex education. It is seen as a sensitive and taboo topic in Hong Kong, rendering most parents quite reluctant to engage in discussions.
Many parents refrain from teaching their children about sex education. Some parents have biased views, often driven by religious beliefs or cultural stigma. Such perspectives impede open dialogue between parents and children, fostering an environment where pivotal information is withheld. On the other hand, comprehensive sex education equips students with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships.
According to research conducted in the US in 2008 by the National Survey of Family Growth, “Teens who received comprehensive sex education were 50 per cent less likely to experience pregnancy than those who received abstinence-only education.” Schools can disseminate relevant information for the well-being of students by prioritising evidence-based curricula over subjective parental opinions.
The prime role of educational institutions is to prepare students for the complexities of adult life, which might inevitably include navigating relationships. When parents lobby for limited sex education for their children and shield them from crucial knowledge, they inadvertently create a knowledge vacuum that gives rise to misinformation and harmful behaviours.
Hong Kong experts say schools use ‘unprofessional’ material for sex education
A 2016 Youth Sexuality Study by The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong points out that over 40 per cent of young people (aged 12-24) gain an understanding of sex through the media and pornography.
This is alarming as impressionable children’s world views and behaviour stem from knowledge that has been fed to them. Thus, topics such as boundaries, consent and abuse must be taught as part of a more nuanced and practical approach to sex education.
Consider the plight of pregnant teens who often feel alienated by their circumstances. Without sex education, they are simply uninformed of their options and available resources.
Sex education empowers them to reach out and seek necessary help. It is time to implement a transparent, informative sexual education curriculum to curb teenage pregnancies.