Controversy over contraceptives in child sex education

OF late, debates occassioned by what is deemed the possibility of crossing the line of decency in the teaching of child sex education have sparked unremitting worries in some quarters, especially when taught in  schools or by teen coaches. Meanwhile, unlike before, access to information on sex education is no longer a monopoly enjoyed by a section of the society. Owing to the advancement in technology, the chances of children having unfettered access to uncensored information, especially by a simple click on an internet-enabled phone, have been enhanced. What then is the drawing point as to when and how a child is enlightened on sex education? While a school of thought believes that child sex education should not be confined to abstinence alone but also on safe-sex (use of condoms), another agrees that these information could mislead teens and serve as catalysts to expedite experimentation.

Understandably,every youth deserves comprehensive sex education, including information about contraception and condoms. A lot has gone wrong already and the call for abstinence alone is hardly effective. It is hard to puncture the argument that teenagers engage in premarital sex, which exposes them to teenage pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). They barely understand the biological and emotional aspects associated with having sex, and do not have the requisite knowledge  to make informed and responsible decisions about whether or not to engage in sexual activity that could bequeath to them an undesirable future. Not surprising is the fact that some parents now take their children to the family planning centre once they notice any sign of sexual activeness  ‘to avoid trouble’. However, countries like England, Indonesia, New Zealand, are in support of comprehensive sex education. Nigerians are fast adopting cross-border cultures and lifestyles. If we therefore avoid educating our teenagers on these, they will get the crude information elsewhere; perhaps with consequences already.

The earlier we accept that the scope of sex education has been broadened by sociocultural influence, the better for us and the next generation. Truth be told, health oriented innovations are on a fast stride. The concept of family planning has evolved beyond couples’ deliberate attempt to space their children. It is now widely but accepted by health practitioners and pushed to general public as relevant for the health of the female, family and society.  Over the years,challenges that have stymied a comprehensive sexual education include uncensored access to the internet, fear of exposure by parents, cultural and religious biases, inconsistency and lack of persistence from Non-Governmental organisations (NGOs).  According to the European Expert Group, sex education aims at developing and strengthening ability of children and young people to make conscious, satisfying, healthy and respectful choices regarding relationships, sexuality, emotional and physical health.

In Nigeria, secondary school students  are taught sex education. Subjects like biology discuss topics such as sex organs, reproduction, unwanted pregnancies etc. But this can only scratch the surface. Medical practitioner and a volunteer of the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), Longjohn Ruth, stated that Nigerians need to be realistic because adolescent health is complex already and preaching abstinence only is appalling.  According to her, some parents are still against sex education but there is a need to teach teenagers safe sex options, that is, the use of condom and birth control pills.  “Abstinence remains the standard but there are a lot of variables in a child’s life today that we can’t control. We need not only expose teenagers to the positive and negative aspects of sex but also empower them to make right choices. We are faced with social problem like unplanned pregnancies, exposures to STIs, and increase in population just because someone could not abstain and/or didn’t have access to safe sex options. Access to service is germane for adolescent health to thrive as many of the teenagers are exposed already,” she stressed.

All that matters now, according to Ruth, is making services available, accessible, and affordable to teenagers and regular sensitisation on abstinence and safe sex as it applies. Family planning methods, especially the use of condoms and Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs), have their gains and disadvantages and not everyone would therefore qualify for all. The OCPs are known for hormonal changes so the woman must be properly informed. Noting that condoms are preferable alternative for teenagers, Ruth said it is effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs. “The teaching now should be “hold bodi” or “use condom”, she added. On the need for safe sex education, the founder of Ladies of Worth Initiative (LOWIN), Ojo Omowumi, said some girls got pregnant because of the lack of knowledge on how to use condom and birth control pills correctly. “Unwanted pregnancy is still prevalent due to misinformation. This calls for proper sex education. Abstinence remains the safest means of preventing unwanted pregnancies and STDs but what happens when the teen cannot abstain? Teach them what a condom is and the proper way of using it but tell them it is best for a couple,” Omowunmi added.

To achieve a better society, she advised parents to maintain cordial relationship with their children. “Parents should be more open on sex education. Also, they should engage their wards in positive ventures like sports, crafts and arts, etc. Teen educators should also incorporate some of these creative activities during outreaches. This would deepen the bond and trust,” she added. Omowunmi, however, urged schools to educate parents first on the need for sex education.  “Parents, schools and teen coaches all need to agree on the way forward because some people still believe that these advocacy is a strange culture. The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), private and public organisations should be fully involved in this drive for a better future,” she said. Medical Director, Christ Hope Hospital, Ibadan, Dr. Osoko, said the present socioeconomic challenges have created a wide gulf in an average parent-child relationship and has exacerbated teens’ vulnerability.

“Today, lots of parents are yet to find a work-life balance. As a result, their wards aren’t free to open up on issues they encounter daily. Parents should spend quality family time to increase bonding. They should listen to their children’s opinion and correct them when necessary,” he added.

Just like the natural order that a child crawls before he walks, sex education applies to different child at each level. Sexual education is a very sensitive subject that is best approached with caution. That is when the child needs to be enlightened on good and bad touches.

From research, there is some consensus that abstinence-based education and intervention is most effective when targeted toward younger adolescents, especially before they become sexually active.

Parents should not leave this role to teachers and teen coaches alone due to different sexual orientations and belief systems. How do parents ascertain that their children’s teacher holds the same value and belief system?

Mrs Olusola Jimoh the Community Mobilization Officer of Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS said: “When a child develops with the proper values, integrity, negotiation and refusal skills, he would be able to make informed decisions. Parents should maximise every moment as opportunities to talk about sex. Have a chat with them often to know their developing interests, hobbies, plans and other details of their lives.”

She added that parents must present the risks of sex objectively, including unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and emotional pain.

“Your child looks up to you for right information about anything and everything, so it will be of tremendous help if you are sincere. If you are feeling embarrassed talking to your teen about sex education, then seek the help of a medical practitioner,” she stressed

She, however, do not advise the use of OCPs and family planning services for teenagers, but exempted it for the sexually active.

“The truth is we cannot close our minds to changes in the 21st century children. Teenagers deserve to be properly schooled on how to make decisions about their body and purity. This requires a collective effort of parents, schools, teen coaches and the government putting the right laws in place.

Sexuality education, therefore, should help shape a desirable future for our children where sex is handled with sacredness, given its place and taught by those with appropriate qualifications.

• Area is a healthcare practitioner