Bengaluru :  Karnataka is set to introduce sex education for students in Classes 8 to 12, marking a significant departure from its previous stance. The initiative comes 14 years after the state government had rejected similar proposals. Alongside sex education, moral education will also be introduced for younger students.

Sex Education Classes Twice a Week

Under the new plan, students from Classes 8 to 12 will have sex education sessions twice a week, conducted by local doctors. These classes aim to educate teenagers about physical, emotional, and hormonal changes, reproductive health, hygiene, and responsible decision-making.

Counselling and Cyber Safety Measures

In addition to sex education, schools will offer counselling services for students, particularly those dealing with behavioural issues. The initiative also includes:

Health check-ups: Conducted twice a year for students in Classes 1 to 10, with doctors and nurses from Primary Health Centres providing guidance on hygiene and disease prevention.

Cyber safety lessons: Addressing digital addiction and online threats, these sessions will help students develop safe internet habits.

Legal awareness programmes: Police personnel will visit schools to educate students on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, ensuring they understand their rights and can recognize unsafe situations.

Moral Education for Character Development

For younger students up to Class 10, moral education will be made mandatory. These classes, held twice a week, will emphasize values such as honesty, patience, and respect, reinforcing the importance of character development alongside academic learning.

A Controversial History of Sex Education in India

Sex education has been a contentious issue in India for years. In 2007, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) introduced the Adolescence Education Programme (AEP) to teach students about puberty, sexual health, and HIV/AIDS prevention. However, the initiative faced strong opposition from parents, conservative groups, and politicians. States such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Goa subsequently banned sex education in schools.

Following the backlash, NCERT withdrew its sex education module, citing cultural concerns. Despite resistance, some states continued efforts to introduce adolescent education. For instance, Jharkhand launched the ‘Udaan’ programme in 2009, providing life skills and health education to students from Classes 6 to 11. By 2019, the initiative had reached over a million students and continues today.

Looking Ahead: Implementation and Challenges

Karnataka’s decision to reintroduce sex education aligns with global best practices. In 2011, UNICEF had criticized the state for avoiding discussions on adolescent health, warning that withholding such information could put young people at risk.

While this initiative represents progress, its success will depend on how effectively it is implemented. Given past resistance, it remains to be seen whether Karnataka’s move will face renewed opposition or pave the way for comprehensive sex education across India.

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