In an attempt to create awareness among students, the Karnataka government plans to launch classes regarding sex education, cyber hygiene and moral values for young aspirants. The education department of the state has decided to ensure sexual awareness to be a part of the school curriculum to essential knowledge about physical, emotional, and hormonal changes during adolescence.
School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa, announcing the initiative, assured that two classes per week on sex education would be imparted by medical professionals for students of classes 8-10 in schools. Incorporation of periodic medical check-ups and counselling sessions twice a year will be made possible. Moreover, expert healthcare professionals from local Primary Health Centers will give monthly orientation about hygiene, contagious diseases and ill effects of drug abuse as part of health education.
The government also plans to set up counselling committees in colleges. A woman lecturer will be appointed as nodal officer to enable female students to discuss their problems without any restrictions.
Furthermore, cyber hygiene awareness classes are planned alongside to address problems like digital addiction, early sexual activity, and teenage pregnancies. Apart from that, compulsory moral education will be implemented for students in Classes I to X twice a week to impart values like honesty, truthfulness, and patience.
As a part of the program, police officials will visit schools to educate students about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, ensuring they can realise their rights and avoid unsafe situations.
Why Sex Education in Schools is a Necessity?
The Karnataka education department's decision to include sexual health education to aid teenagers comprehend and address physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that occur during adolescence marks a significant shift among the public's attitude towards sexual matters. In India, sex education is still considered taboo in many states and many states are yet to introduce such classes in their education curriculum. We need to see how this move by Karnataka will fare in the long run and whether this could help curtail the rate of sexual offenses.
A comprehensive sexual education during the adolescence helps children gain accurate information of the bodily changes that occur in different phases of our life and make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health rights.[1] It can further impart knowledge about consent, healthy relationships and acceptance, fostering an environment of understanding.
References
1. Hendre, Sidharth. 2023. “The Need for Comprehensive Sex Education in India.” AIF. October 27, 2023. Accessed on March 23, 2025. https://aif.org/the-need-for-comprehensive-sex-education-in-india/.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Jithin Paul/MSM)