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The Right Choice?

Sex is very much a taboo word in Malaysian society, and many fear that the mention of it will unnecessarily encourage curious teenagers to try it for themselves. However, in reality, students are being bombarded with sexual information by pornographic websites as well as through their
friends, leading to many shocking misconceptions about sexual and reproductive health (SRH). 35% of Malaysian female youth believe that first-time sex will not lead to pregnancy. This dangerous misconception has definitely contributed, at least in part, to the approximately 18,000 teenage pregnancies that occur each year. Teenage pregnancies pose serious physical, emotional and psychological risks as teen mothers find themselves face to face with the heavy responsibility of motherhood. Many of them are hardly mature enough to even take care of themselves, let alone another human life! The fact that parents refrain from discussing this taboo topic reinforces the need for compulsory sex education to correct commonly-held misconceptions about SRH.

Besides misconceptions about sex, many teenagers lack awareness about what constitutes consent. A staggering 65% of Malaysian men did not know that sexual consent must be an explicit ‘yes’. In an interview with R.A.G.E, an unnamed pregnant teenager said that she relented to her boyfriend’s demands for sex because she did not know how to say no. Therefore, increased awareness about sexual consent on the part of both parties is especially vital in protecting the welfare and health, especially that of female teenagers. Another worrying statistic is that half of the sexual harassment cases in Malaysia go unreported. This is largely due to embarrassment and a false belief that nothing can be done about the problem. As such, many perpetrators go scot-free while victims are left traumatised and seemingly helpless. Therefore, students must be well-informed about the avenues that are available to seek support and help.

Suggested Syllabus?

In view of the various problems illustrated, the need for compulsory sex education is justified. Sex education in Malaysia currently revolves around the biological function of sexual organs and abstinence. However, what are safe and healthy sexual practices? What constitutes consent? What should students do when sexually assaulted or harassed? Abstinence-only sex education does not address these concerns effectively despite the indisputable need to do so.

Besides that, the easy accessibility of pornography is extremely concerning. Pornography portrays a distorted view of sexuality as teenagers begin to see other human beings as merely objects to fulfill their sexual desires. Our sex education must highlight the inherent value of each human being and the need to respect each other’s bodies. In 2018, UNESCO recommended a comprehensive sex education (CSE) curriculum designed to impart knowledge on SRH to students one step at a time, according to their level of maturity. From cultivating a sense of self-appreciation from a young age, to identifying sexual biases when older, CSE aims to fill the gaps of our current sex education. Clear outlines of activities and objectives, along with a structured timeline to educate children on various aspects of SRH are key to nurturing a society of better awareness and proactiveness in this field.

Potential Barriers?

Firstly, parents may protest against compulsory sex education due to fear that it will lead to sexual promiscuity at a young age. In reality, this myth should be debunked as research has shown that higher awareness on reproductive health is closely linked to lower rates of teenage pregnancy.

Moreover, some feel that sex education might be suitable for teenagers but not for children which leads to the question of age appropriation. What is the actual “mature” age to teach about sex since females mature earlier? How can we measure “maturity”? Will curiosity and hormonal reactions succumb to educated rational thoughts, like the irony that we still despise eating vegetables while knowing the fact that it is healthy?

Conclusion

Although mandatory sex education is undeniably imperative, apparent social barriers still hinder its implementation. Therefore, Malaysians have to work together to foster an acceptance of sex education in society and implement a suitable curriculum based on professionally-verified recommendations such as UNESCO’s CSE. Only then can our country progress towards a sexually safer and healthier nation.