ON THE ISSUE OF SEXUAL EDUCATION FOR ADOLESCENTS IN SECONDARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

The issue of sexual education for adolescents is urgent and important, because due to the lack of objective, thorough, high-quality information about intimate relationships between men and women, and about the possible consequences of such relationships, adolescents are forced to learn by the method of "trial and error." For most adolescents, the source of information is mainly the Internet and friends. In the article, the authors emphasize that adolescents lack the skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary to make informed and effective decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, which makes them vulnerable to a variety of risks related to both their health and their safety. Attention is drawn to the components of quality sex education: a comprehensive approach (physical, emotional aspects); parental involvement; the subject should be taught by a specially trained teacher; mandatory attendance of such lessons; curricula should promote discussion of various topics without taboos. Scientists note that sex education is a comprehensive approach to learning and upbringing, which involves the formation of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and universal human values, and covers the physical, emotional, and socio-cultural aspects of sexuality. Therefore, the implementation of comprehensive sex education programs in secondary education institutions will contribute to the formation of communication skills, which will allow adolescents to communicate, listen, hear and negotiate, improve their ability to make informed and informed decisions, and help adolescents protect themselves from violence, unwanted pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases.