Sex! Don't be alarmed it's just the "S" word. Throughout Trinidad and Tobago the topic of sex and promoting proper sex education in schools has been treated poorly, when compared to more developed countries. A surprisingly large number of secondary school (as well as primary school children) are coming across the "S" word inappropriately and informally. In a survey of a form three class at a co-ed secondary school, nine out of every 10 children had "learnt" about sex from their peers. (In case you were wondering, they don't think babies come from stalks). However, leaving teenagers and even some younger than that, to learn about this topic from one another may have several consequences.
One major result of such actions is teenage pregnancy. Trinidad and Tobago faces over 2000 teenage births annually. Pamela Kohler, Lead Researcher at the University of Washington, in her studies on the effectiveness of sex education in schools, suggested that wide-ranging sex education might reduce teen pregnancy. Her research also touched on whether learning about sex would help alleviate other equally important topics. These include sexually transmitted diseases and sexual abuse which are both an area of concern for young adults in Trinidad and Tobago.
It is my belief that these issues need to be addressed in a comprehensive and age appropriate way, through education. This will foster a more sexually responsible generation. Hence, the process of learning from your mistakes would not be the route taken by a maturing, puberty-entering young man or woman. Instead, they will realise there are risks in becoming sexually active at that age. Having learnt and after being properly taught, young people would be more obligated to make mature decisions when it comes to sex.
Alexander Johnson
Press Pass Correspondent
University of the West Indies
