Friday, 11 January 2013

Netas game for sex education in schools

The Delhi gang rape has changed the mindset of old-style political parties. They want to introduce sex education as part of school curriculum to create awareness among students at an early age.
Leaders of parties believe that it’s the government’s responsibility to do this and it should deal with it seriously by working out a plan.

According to political experts, there was a plan to introduce sex education in school curriculum in 2007. But the ruling party as well as opposition parties strongly objected to it over the content and style of teaching of the subject. “But now, the gang rape seems to have awakened them all,” said an expert.

Vinod Tawde, leader of Opposition in the legislative council, said, “This should be taught in schools. Earlier, we had opposed it over the style of teaching, which was inappropriate. We are also against the name, it shouldn’t be called sex education. It should be called adolescence health education.”

“It shouldn’t be taught like the regular subjects. The syllabus should be prepared under the guidance of health experts, including counsellor and educationist. If they feel 15-20 sessions are needed to cover the subject, then it can be spread across the academic year. Because of digital revolution, this subject has become important. We will support if the treasury benches table this subject again,” Tawde added.

Earlier, while preparing the syllabus for sex education, the government had copied the content in entirety from that of Western countries. “That was a wrong approach as their problems are not applicable here. We have a different set of people. Hence, we need a different approach,” said the expert. NCP MLA and spokesperson Nawab Malik said, “It’s a delicate issue; there should be clarity on it. All precautionary measures should be taken. A female teacher should teach this subject to girls and a male teacher to boys. It should be taught only to students of a certain age and focus on rudimentary knowledge related to sex. If it crosses the line, it will have an adverse effect on students.”

“Before introducing this subject, a discussion should be held between all parties’ leaders,” he added. The Congress has a similar stand on this. Party spokesperson Sachin Sawant said, “Sex education in schools is the need of the hour. An expert on the subject should prepare the syllabus.”

Nitin Sardesai, MNS MLA, said, “The subject is necessary in schools. But how the syllabus should be and how it should be taught in classes is up to the experts.”

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_netas-game-for-sex-education-in-schools_1787403

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