International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, Vol (5), Issue (5), May (2024), Page – 1433-1435

International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews

SEX EDUCATION – A REVIEW OF ITS EFFECTIVENESS

Anna Treessa
Kristu Jayanti College Autonomous Bengaluru

ABSTRACT :

This study provides a detailed analysis of the thirty-three empirical research projects that looked at the efficacy of sex education initiatives between 1981 and
2022. A review by Richard L. Wanlass and Bernard Sullivan synthesises the results of a wide range of studies to assess the impact of sex education on a number
of outcomes, such as the acquisition of knowledge, attitudes, behaviours, and health effects related to sexual activity.

Numerous approaches, such as qualitative analysis, randomised controlled trials, and longitudinal investigations, are employed in the evaluated papers. Sex
education programmes have been demonstrated to be successful in raising participants' awareness of sexual health issues, encouraging positive attitudes towards
sexuality, and encouraging safer sexual behaviours. The review underscores the necessity of conducting additional research on the enduring effects of sex
education programmes and the most effective approaches for diverse populations and settings. All things considered, this review contributes to the ongoing
discussion over the importance of sex education in promoting the sexual health and welfare of young people and adolescents.

KEY WORDS : Sex education, college students; educators; counselors; medical school population; human sexuality

INTRODUCTION:

Learning about the psychological, physiological, and social aspects of sexuality is known as "sex education". Sex education programmes should include
information on menstruation, condom use, preventing sexual assault, puberty, sexual orientation, gender identity, and body image. Sex education is
essential in schools because it informs pupils about adolescence, related organs, STDs, and reproductive health. Furthermore, academic success builds
the foundation for future stability for children who feel comfortable and supported in their school environment and are able to avoid early pregnancy,
sexual abuse, STIs, harassment, and interpersonal violence. For the wellbeing and sexual health of young people, sexual education among students is
crucial.
According to the World Health Organisation “A healthy sexual development is essential to overall mental and physical well-being” and In the 1994
,International Conference on Population and Development report says that,” Sex is an essential aspect of human life, and sexual health is closely related
to both physical and mental health”. The sexual health of adolescents and young adults can be enhanced by sexuality education, which is a reliable
source of knowledge and direction on sexuality, relationships, and sexual health. Informed by the opinions of young people themselves, such education
is most effective.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

According to the study conducted by the National Association for the Education of young children, Rather than being limited to age 3–8, early
childhood covers infancy ,Children at this age pick up knowledge through experimentation, observation, and social interaction. Two years to
adolescence is considered childhood. A wide range of years in human development can be implied by the phrase "childhood," which is non-specific in
its chronological span. Early childhood (two to six years old) and Late childhood (six to twelve years old) are the two main phases of childhood.
Adolescents will be equipped with the necessary knowledge to make wise decisions in life if sex education is introduced in schools. The young person
receiving sex education learns important lessons for their interpersonal relationships and personal behaviour. Awareness of the need for a scientific
understanding of sex issues is known as sex education. It explains all educational strategies that support developing kids in comprehending and
overcoming life's challenges. Teenagers face numerous issues throughout puberty due to bodily changes and the advent of sexual emotions. It includes
gender roles, affection, intimacy, interpersonal interactions, sexual development, and sexual and reproductive health. High school sex education helps
prepare students better for life transitions including puberty, menopause, and ageing. Students might reach puberty with enhanced abilities and self-
esteem thanks to sex education. Maria Maqbool and Hafsa Jan , et.al.
Another study says that The young person getting sex education gains valuable knowledge for their behaviour and interpersonal interactions. Sex
education is the awareness of the necessity for a scientific understanding of sex issues. It describes all of the instructional techniques that help growing
children understand and overcome obstacles in life. Puberty presents a number of challenges for teenagers because of physical changes and the
emergence of sexual feelings. sex education also helps in understanding Gender roles, intimacy, affection, interpersonal relationships, sexual
 International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, Vol (5), Issue (5), May (2024), Page – 1433-1435 1434

development, and sexual and reproductive health are all included. Students who receive sex education in high school are more prepared for life's
transitions, such as puberty, menopause, and also ageing. Sex education may help students enter puberty with improved skills and self-worth.Yepoyan
et.al.2014
According to a study which conducted with the purpose to ascertain the current state of knowledge on teenagers' experiences with online sex education.
The literature revealed four main themes, which are as follows: (a) teenagers report using the internet to look up sex-related information; (b) teenagers
are interested in a variety of subjects, such as pregnancy and STDs; (c) teenagers are able to assess the quality of sex-related information they find
online, even though it may not always be of high quality; and (d) teenagers can benefit from internet-based interventions to learn more about sexual
health. The literature's inconsistencies are examined, and recommendations are provided for further study Laura Simon, Kristian Daneback et.al.
(2013).

Another study with the context family life education (FLE) and sex education in Indian society have always been contentious topics. There's a growing
need to teach sex education because of the rise of HIV/AIDS, RTIs/STIs, and teenage pregnancies. However, different facets of Indian society have
always responded differently to the introduction of sex education in the classroom. Information and Techniques By evaluating data from the District
Level Household and Facility Survey (DLHS-3: 2007–08) and Youth Study in India (2006–07), we want to comprehend the aspirations and experiences
of youth surrounding family life education in India. In this study they used Descriptive techniques were employed to examine the degree of FLE
accessibility and sociodemographic trends among young Indian individuals. Findings and Discussions: They discovered a sizable unmet need for FLE
in the proportion of young people who thought sex education was important compared to those who actually received it. Compared to their peers, youth
who obtained FLE had a comparatively higher awareness of concerns related to reproductive health. Regardless of age or gender, the majority of Indian
adolescents supported the introduction of FLE at the school level, ideally starting with standard 8. Creating a culturally-sensitive FLE curriculum that is
acceptable to all societal groups is now the problem. Niharika Tripathi, TV Sekher et.al. 2013

A study conducted in China shows that Despite the thousands of years of rich sexual culture that China has enjoyed, Chinese people are typically
reluctant to talk about sex in public. Some parents don't even realise their kids' sexual attitudes and behaviours have changed. Teenagers in China are
growing far more sexually liberated these days. Teenage unintended pregnancies and premarital sex are on the rise. HIV/AIDS and other sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs) are also expanding quickly. Nonetheless, young people are ignorant about the fundamentals of AIDS and STDs, and they
have no idea how to prevent unwanted pregnancies or safeguard themselves against these illnesses. This document mentions some significant youth
peer education projects in China. The Australian-Chinese AIDS/STD/Safer Sex Peer Education Programme for Youth, a four-year programme, is one
of them that is covered in some detail.Thus far, the project has impacted more than forty thousand college and high school pupils. The training is
successful in changing students' attitudes towards AIDS patients and dramatically raising their understanding of AIDS and STDs, according to
evaluation results. Furthermore, the pupils give the programme great marks. Y Gao, ZZ Lu, R Shi, XY Sun, Y Ca. et.al.2001.
A study conducted in San Francisco it states that ‘'It is difficult to imagine a juicier subject, or a more thoughtful, fluent, trustworthy guide for its
exploration." When Sex Goes to School exposes a battle with deceptively simple and tragically personal stakes. It is a chronicle of the two decades that
renowned sociologist Kristin Luker spent observing parents in four American towns involved in a passionate war of ideas and values. Beyond politics,
religion, or even friendship, many parents have much deeper concerns about how their kids should be taught about sex.The New York Times Book
Review's Judith Shulevitz writes, "The drama of this book comes from watching the exceptionally thoughtful Luker try to figure [sex education] out."
In the process, Luker recounts the history of sex education from the hygienist movement at the beginning of the century to the marriage-obsessed 1950s
and the 1960s sexual and gender revolutions. Kristin Luker.et.al.2007.
Reviewing scientific research on educational initiatives pertaining to health professionals' training in sexuality between 2003 and 2013 was the aim of
this study. According to the findings, individuals who work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, are recent college graduates, or are seniors in
college are not sufficiently trained to address the sexual requirements of their patients. Regardless of the course load, numerous studies have
demonstrated that health professionals' capacity to address patients' sexuality-related concerns has improved following taking part in sexuality-related
training programmes. The analysed publications indicate that funding for educational initiatives is required to enhance the competence and comfort
level of medical professionals in handling patients' sexuality-related concerns. Barton-Burke and Gustason.et.al.2007.
According to the study that review the educational initiatives pertaining to health professionals' sexuality education between 2003 and 2013. According
to the findings, individuals who work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, are recent college graduates, or are seniors in college are not
sufficiently trained to address the sexual requirements of their patients. Regardless of the course load, numerous studies have demonstrated that health
professionals' capacity to address patients' sexuality-related concerns has improved following taking part in sexuality-related training programmes. The
analysed publications indicate that funding for educational initiatives is required to enhance the competence and comfort level of medical professionals
in handling patients' sexuality-related concerns. Thais zerbiniabout.et.al
REFERENCE :

1. Kilmann, P. R., Wanlass, R. L., Sabalis, R. F., & Sullivan, B. (1981). Sex education: A review of its effects. Archives of Sexual Behavior,
10, 177-205.
2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF01542178
3. Cesnik, V. M., & Zerbini, T. (2017). Sexuality education for health professionals: A literature review. Estudos de Psicologia (Campinas),
34, 161-172.
4. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2017-47446-015

5. Maqbool, M., & Jan, H. (2019). Importance of sex education in schools: literature.
6. https://www.homesciencejournal.com/archives/2019/vol5issue1/PartC/5-1-34-228.pdf
 International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, Vol (5), Issue (5), May (2024), Page – 1433-1435 1435

7. Enebechi, R. I., Iyoke, J. O., & Eze, J. C. (2023). Secondary School Teachers’ and Students’ Attitude Towards Teaching and Learning of
Sex Education in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Godfrey Okoye University International Journal of
Education, 3(1), 120-127.
8. https://gojournals.gouni.edu.ng/index.php/gouijoe/article/view/43

9. Simon, L., & Daneback, K. (2013). Adolescents’ use of the internet for sex education: A thematic and critical review of the literature.
International journal of sexual health, 25(4), 3
10. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271936889_Adolescents'_Use_of_the_Internet_for_Sex_Education_A_Thematic_and_Critical_Re
view_of_the_Literature
11. Tripathi, N., & Sekher, T. V. (2013). Youth in India ready for sex education? Emerging evidence from national surveys. PLoS One, 8(8),
e71584. 05-319.
12. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0071584

13. Liu, W. (2003). Factors influencing parental involvement in sexuality education for adolescents in the People's Republic of China. The
University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
14. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI3098171/
15. Luker, K. (2007). When sex goes to school: Warring views on sex--and sex education--since the sixties. WW Norton & Company.
16. https://wwnorton.com/books/When-Sex-Goes-to-School/%2525252522%2525252522