Karnataka: Sex education in academics; academicians, students welcome move

The Karnataka Education Department is gearing up to introduce sex education in schools for the upcoming academic year, but the initiative has sparked mixed reactions from parents and educators. While the government sees this as a necessary step toward awareness and safety, concerns remain over its implementation.

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Parents are advocating for a structured sex education model, insisting that it should be taught by obstetricians and educational experts rather than regular school teachers. They believe this approach would allow children to express their doubts more freely and foster open discussions without hesitation.

“In rural India, sex education is very important. They need to be inspired to discuss changes in their bodies. Early pregnancies can be thwarted. On the other hand, good touch and bad touch can also be touched upon. Such knowledge is crucial,” said Bhargavi, a school student. 

However, many teachers are reluctant, citing the additional burden of teaching the subject alongside their existing syllabus. There are also challenges in rural areas, where societal taboos make it difficult to address these topics openly.

“As a parent, they hesitate talking about sex education. Many girls are unaware of things. Open discussions can go a long way in driving away hesitation. Children will be in a position to be safe. In rural areas, they lack knowledge,” said Lavanya, another student. 

Dr. Halanuru Lepakshi, state president of Rupsa Karnataka, emphasized the need for expert-led education. “At a time when social media is spoiling children, experts need to address issues related to sex education. The more we suppress such issues, the more enthusiasm builds around them,” he noted.

As debates continue, the success of the initiative will depend on how effectively it is implemented across urban and rural schools.