The question ‘Who should teach the child sex education?’ is intriguing and necessary in our time, especially now that society is exposing children to uncontrolled sexual content in the streets, on television, and on the internet. In some cultures and homes, the matter is treated like taboo. In other scenarios, it is treated like a frivolous matter. Should the father, the mother, the schoolteacher or religious houses be the ones to spearhead this kind of special education? OLUWAFEMILOYE OLADEJI sampled the opinions of some people on this matter. Their views:
Bunmi Okokon
The mother should be the one to take up such responsibility. The mother is the closest to the child, and always at home. Sex education should be mainly focused on the girl. The mother knows the daughter well and can teach her chastity. For the son, it should be taught by both parents.
Ojo Abiola
Everyone should teach the child. Although the father is not always available, the mother can always teach the child. In cases where the mother cannot be available due to work, the church and the school should teach the child. The child should always hear it everywhere. That way, they are more conscious. Besides, as long as sex education is concerned, the child can be freer to learn about it in church or at school than at home.
Dorcas Ogundokun
It should be the mother because she is the best friend of the child. She knows 80 per cent of the child’s character. Although a few fathers are available, the mother remains the best person to teach a child sex education. Also, it should be something taught from home, not learnt from third parties.
Folorunsho Oluwatimileyin
The mother is the one who can teach a child sex education. She can be vulnerable enough with the child and let him or her be more aware. Although the father can try, the mother is the one in the best position to do so.
Oladipupo Olonade
It should be a general thing. We are in the era of social media, and the child should be properly sensitised. Majorly, the mother is closer to the children than the father. So, children tend to confide more in their mothers, unless in rare cases. In churches as well, sex education should be taught. Keeping immorality in check is part of the church’s duty. Schools should also include sex education in their curriculum.
Mary Iyiola
It should be the mother. The mother is attentive, and likewise, her experiences will help her to teach her children in the right way.
Mrs Odekunle
Everyone should be involved, but mothers specifically, because children are more drawn to their mothers.
Thomas Olumogba
I do not think the responsibility should rest on only one institution. The primary responsibility belongs to the parents – the father and the mother. The school has a supporting role to play by providing age-appropriate biological and health education, while the church should provide moral and biblical guidance regarding sexuality, purity, identity, and God’s design for sex and marriage. The healthiest outcome is when all three work together, with parents leading the conversation.
Asatola Victor
I feel it should be dependent on the gender of the child. If it is a female, the mother should teach her. If it is a male, the father should take up the responsibility.
Samuel Ayo-Olakojo
I do not want anyone to teach my children sex education before I do. Whatever any system or anyone else teaches my children as sex education will be received by them based on my already established, well-taught teaching about the subject. Both parents are of different genders, and they know better how their body does and operate. Thus, both should teach the child about it. The man teaches his female child how men feel when certain things catch their eye, how they respond to certain things and conversations, etc., and also teaches his male child how to react to some things and some feelings, etc.