Parents Perception Of Sex Education
(A Case Study Of Educated And Non-Educated Parents In Nsukka Urban Area)
Parents’ perception of sex education plays a crucial role in shaping their approach to discussing reproductive health with their children. It is evident that parental attitudes towards sex education encompass a spectrum of beliefs and values, ranging from conservative to progressive viewpoints. Factors such as cultural background, religious beliefs, and personal experiences significantly influence parental perceptions. Some parents advocate for comprehensive sex education, emphasizing the importance of providing accurate information about sexual health, contraception, and consent to empower their children with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Conversely, others may hold more traditional views, preferring abstinence-only education or limited discussions on the topic. However, research indicates a growing recognition among parents of the necessity for open and honest dialogue about sex education, recognizing its role in promoting healthy relationships, preventing sexually transmitted infections, and reducing unintended pregnancies. As societal norms evolve and awareness increases, there is a trend towards greater acceptance of comprehensive sex education among parents, highlighting the importance of ongoing communication and education in this realm.
This research studied parent’s perception of sex education. A case study of Educated and non-Educated parents in Nsukka Urban Area. A survey method was used to gather primary data through questionnaire administered to parent in Nsukka urban Area. Five research questions were used. The research findings among others were that non-educated parents are not in support of sex education while educated parents supported it. The findings also show that sex Education is importance because it helps to reduce the rate of sexual harassment in school, reduce the rate of sexual act, check the spread of venereal diseases, promote inter-personal relationship among the youth, enable the youth to know the dangers of premarital sex and encourage self consciousness among pupils. On the strategies for promotion of sex education in schools, seminar should be organized for the parents through P.T.A and new couples should be educated on sex education for effective sex educational background. The researchers recommended that courses in sex education should be introduced in all the teachers training programme to prepare teachers adequately for the teaching of the course. The educators in the field of physical and health education, psychology, guidance and counseling should make effort towards writing textbooks on sex education which teacher and students can easily read. Finally, that seminars and workshops should be organized for teachers and parents who are partners in education of children so that they can appreciate the need for sex education in schools.
Abstract
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgement
CHAPTER ONE:
INTRODUCTION
Background of the study
Statement of the problem
Purpose of the study
Research questions
Scope of the study
Significance of the study
CHAPTER TWO
Review of related literature
The concept of family
The cases of family instability
Effects of family instability
Solution to family instability
CHAPTER THREE
Methodology
CHAPTER FOUR
Presentation and analysis of data
Summary of findings
CHAPTER FIVE
Discussion, conclusion, dedicational
Implication and recommendation
Discussion of the study
Conclusion
Recommendation
Limitation of the study
Questionnaire
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The word “Parents’ is defined as one’s mother or father by Honnby (2005). Some parents are educated while some are nor. An educated parents is one who read and write and who has gone through higher school, an educated parents is the same as literacy parents. Anih (2006) states that literacy makes parents aware of new patterns of socialization and behaviour which are element of six educations.
Sex education has been defined by many authors whitemen (2003) define sex education as the education with regards to human sexual behaviour and reproduction, designed to help individual to satisfy and control their sexual needs, enable them to be aware of the full range of possible sexual behaviour and values. Sex education is the means by which an individual gathers all necessary and reasonable information which will help him build his sexual behavior in life for a successful adulthood living.
Shugler (2006:4) defined sex education as education which teaches the young person what he or she should know for his or her personal conduct and relationship with others.
Present-day sex education programmes attempt to provide for individual, an adequate knowledge of his or her physical, mental and emotional majority process as relating to sex and to eliminate the fear and anxieties that often accompany sexual development. Ene et al (2008) stated that the alarming rate at which youth in commit or demonstrate sexual blunders is disheartening. These sex blunders they observed are due to ignorance and curiosity of children.
For a successful inclusion of sex education in school curriculum will help to change the perception of parents on sex education. It is very necessary that parents should give their full support. This is because under normal circumstances, sex education should have the continuation or follow up from home. Therefore. It becomes very imperative that it should be properly taught.
Many doubts have been raise about the necessity of sex education in school while shiller (2000) condemned the teaching of sex education at the early stage of the child’s education career. Janne and Greene (2006) supported the ideal of teaching sex education at early state of a child. The subject is widely a delicate one to handle, making great demand on instructors. This is why it should be introduced and taught in the school system because it is where the foundation should be laid.
Some suggestions have been that it ought to be taught individually by parents preferably in answer to direct questions. Most children start very early to ask questions from their parents about sex organs. One will be very surprised to sea a child of about six years old getting up and asking from his parents why his own sex organ is quite different from his sisters. This is a more exhibition of curiosity which is inmate of every human being. They hardly relax unless they questions. Most parents and guidance shy away or do not even like to give answer to their children’s question. Some will even discharge their children from asking further questions about sex. Majority of such parents think that the best way to prevent sexual immorality among the youths is to keep them in complete ignorance of sexual matters.
Okeke (2007) stated that it has been proved beyond reasonable doubts that if boys and girls are given proper sex education, it will really help them in life. They will know the right thing to do and avoid making such mistakes they normally make about sex. Even those of them who might like to copy wrongly from their peer groups will know better about sex.
For sex education to be successfully taught in the schools, parents have a lot of contribution. The teachers need a lot of co-operation from them. Parents also are expected to help to direct their children properly at home to make sure that these children do not go contrary to what their teachers taught them in the schools. Parents should also encourage their children to see that education in schools should not be misused as a guide to good moral behaviour and such knowledge should make them stand out from the crowd as better citizen. They will no longer be misinformed about sex from their peer, and other sources like mass-media, immoral pictures, magazines and even newspapers. Their curiosity will be satisfied through the right sources. Since most children value and trust their teachers, very highly they will be very much prepared to accept whatever education that is given to them in schools. The parents who entrusted the education of their children into the hand of the teachers will be convinced that their children get appropriate sex education from the right source. The children will also acquire more and better knowledge about sex, thereby avoiding mistakes about sex.
Infact, the society is concerned at the rate of increase in venereal diseases, unwanted pregnancies, abortion, abandoned babies which are the inevitable result of increase in sexual activities and promiscuity. The researchers thereby wish to find out the perception of parents about sex education.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
According to Okasa (2008) “sex is good because it is a creation but man has made the act detrimental to his existence. Everybody is at one time or the other guilty of sexual perversion, either from the act, through sight or feeling”. This indiscriminate sex practices is among the adolescents and some of them are in primary schools. Okosa (2008) quotory fawole (2001) stated that there is a general misunderstanding that sex information will result to promiscuity, premarital pregnancies and venereal diseases.
The clinical experience of most psychotherapist and marriage counselors lend support to this viewpoint that unless there is formal education, adolescent pregnancy will be on the increase in the country and other parts of the world. Lack of adequate guidance is another factor responsible for pregnancy, parental indifferences or outright antipathy has been attributed to be cause of relatively slow progress of sex education. This perception will also result in slow progress in future without guidance the peer groups. In recognizing the positive correction between attitudes and possible of action in human beings. This study is therefore oriented towards funding the perception of parents on sex education with particular reference to educated and non educated parents in Nsukka Urban area of Enugu State.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY.
In carrying out this study, the following objectives have been formulated:
1. To find out perception of educated and non-educated parent towards sex education in Nsukka Urban area of Enugu State.
2. To ascertain perceptions of the non-educated and educated parent towards adolescent knowledge about education.
3. To ascertain the consequences of non-teaching of sex education in scholls.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study is significant in the scene that its findings will be beneficial to parents in realizing the immense benefits to be derived by introducing sex education in schools in Nsukka Urban area. It will also be useful to curriculum planners and the government whose duties include the inclusion of sex education in school curriculum. It will also go a long way to save the students themselves, the problems associated with pre-marital sex such as unwanted pregnancies, abortions, venereal disease; infections like HIV/AIDS, gonorrhea syphilis ete which cause infertility in future.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The main thrust of this study was on the parents’ perception on sex education in Nsukka Urban area. The study was confined to the parents living in Nsukka Urban area of Enugu State. The study was also limited to both educated and non-educated parents in the area.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS.
The following research questions have been formulated to give direction to the search for information.
1. What is the perception of parents towards the teaching of sex education in Nsukka Urban area?
2. What is the perception of the educated parents toward sex education in Nsukka Urban area?
3. What is the perception of the non-educated parents towards sex education in Nsukka Uran area?
4. What are the reasons why some parents resist sex education?
5. What are the solutions to some parents resistant to sex education?
Parents’ perceptions of sex education can vary widely based on cultural, religious, and personal beliefs. Here are some common perspectives that parents might have regarding sex education:
- Comprehensive Education Advocates: Some parents believe in providing their children with comprehensive and fact-based sex education. They think that teaching children about anatomy, reproduction, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), consent, and healthy relationships from a young age is essential for their well-being and safety.
- Abstinence-Only Supporters: Certain parents prefer an abstinence-only approach, focusing on encouraging their children to abstain from sexual activity until marriage. They believe that providing information about contraception or safe sex might be perceived as condoning premarital sex.
- Religious and Moral Beliefs: Parents with strong religious beliefs may want their children’s sex education to align with their faith’s teachings. For example, they might emphasize waiting until marriage or following specific moral guidelines related to sexuality.
- Fear of Premature Exposure: Some parents might be concerned that discussing sexual topics with their children too early could lead to premature exposure and potentially influence them to engage in sexual activities before they are emotionally or mentally ready.
- Cultural Norms and Traditions: Cultural factors can heavily influence parents’ attitudes towards sex education. Some cultures are more open and comfortable discussing these topics, while others may consider them private or taboo.
- LGBTQ+ Inclusivity: Some parents are advocates for inclusive sex education that covers LGBTQ+ topics and relationships. They want their children to have a broader understanding of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
- Gender Roles and Equality: Parents who value gender equality may emphasize teaching their children about consent, respect, and the importance of equal partnerships in relationships.
- Parental Involvement: Some parents prefer to be the primary source of their children’s sex education and believe that schools should have a limited role in discussing these topics. They might feel that sex education should be a private family matter.
- Practical Skills: Certain parents focus on providing their children with practical skills to navigate real-life situations, such as communication, setting boundaries, and making informed decisions.
- Communication and Dialogue: Many parents recognize the importance of open communication and dialogue with their children about sex. They encourage their children to ask questions and seek guidance when needed.
- Impact of Media and Technology: Parents may be concerned about the influence of media and the internet on their children’s understanding of sex. They might want to ensure that their children receive accurate information.
- Health and Safety: Parents who prioritize their children’s health and safety may support comprehensive sex education that covers topics like contraception, STIs, and practicing safe sex.
It’s important to note that there is a wide range of perspectives, and parents’ views on sex education are influenced by various factors. Effective sex education programs often take these diverse viewpoints into account and aim to provide balanced, evidence-based information while respecting cultural and personal beliefs.