In general, affective-sexual education in adolescents and children is not of quality and does not enable them to take control of their own sexuality and relationships. The myths and erroneous beliefs that culture has instilled in us for centuries have created a society where affective-sexual misinformation predominates. Many people find themselves having a sexual life full of confusing and negative messages, shame, and silence from society, which only fuels harmful attitudes such as gender inequality, sexual discrimination, or the non-use of contraceptives or barrier methods against STIs, among others.
This almost non-existent preparation on sexuality and sexual behavior increases the vulnerability of minors to violence or sexual abuse, along with not speaking naturally and freely about sexuality. This not only maintains erroneous and harmful ideas in people but also limits their ability to decide about their own practices, preferences, and sexual relationships.
Sexual Education, Key to Societal Development
According to the WHO (2011), sexual education is presented as a basic tool for the development of a diverse, egalitarian, and value-rich society. All people, from birth, are sexual beings and have the potential to develop their sexuality in one way or another. Sexual education helps prepare young people for life in general, especially to build and maintain satisfying relationships that contribute to positively developing personality and self-esteem.
Therefore, adopting affective-sexual education in adolescents from a comprehensive perspective is vital in their preparation to achieve a safe and full life where they live their sexuality freely and healthily.
What Does Comprehensive Sexuality Education Entail?
Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is an essential component in school and family education for the prevention of STIs and STDs, unwanted pregnancies, violence, and gender inequality. It also aims to form young people who develop ethical values and attitudes to make relevant decisions about their sexuality, ensuring it is conscious, healthy, and respectful.
Obstacles to Affective-Sexual Education in Adolescents
Disinformation, fear, taboos, and social pressures remain constant. Gender roles are still very present, sometimes in a traditional and visible way, and many others, under a false image of equality (González and Monasterio, 2011). For all these reasons, it is of vital importance to create a space where adolescents feel relaxed and safe to talk about their sexuality and resolve any doubts they may have, thus providing them with the necessary tools to decide where they want to lead their affective-sexual life.
Furthermore, and according to UNESCO (2018), CSE programs should be taught by well-trained and supported teachers in educational settings, as these provide an important opportunity to reach large numbers of young people with sexuality education before they become sexually active, in addition to offering a structured learning environment.
Objectives of Comprehensive Sexuality Education
Therefore, the existence of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), understood as a curriculum-based process to teach and learn about the cognitive, emotional, physical, and social aspects of sexuality, is of vital importance. Its objective is to prepare children and young people with knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that will empower them to: achieve their health, well-being, and dignity; develop respectful social and sexual relationships; consider how their choices affect their own well-being and that of others; and understand their rights throughout life and ensure they protect them. (UNESCO, 2018).