Sex Education in the United States and the UK
Sex education, also called sex education, sexuality education or sex therapy, is the education of problems relating to sexual relationships, such as responsibilities and emotional aspects, with a view to promote self-awareness and personal responsibility. Sex education may refer to the educational measures related to sexual activity of a person; or it may refer to the counseling provided for young people in relation to their sexual activity. Sex education is an important part of health promotion. It provides individuals and parents with the information they need to know about the consequences of their behavior on their reproductive health, as well as their relationships with others. There are several different types of sex education, and they include physical, mental, social, and legal aspects of sex.
The physical aspect of sex education deals with the physical benefits of sexual activities, such as reproduction and pregnancy. It also explains how men and women can help each other through these processes. This type of sexual health education generally offers information on performing safe sexual practices, providing protection during sexual intercourse, reducing a partner’s chances of getting an STD (sexually transmitted disease), and the importance of using condoms. It may also offer information on the benefits of being sexually healthy, and it may encourage the use of natural sexuality instead of engaging in same-sex sexual activity.
The mental aspect of sex education concerns the thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and responsibilities that come with sexuality and the development of societal views regarding it. These factors can impact upon how healthy a person is perceived to be. For instance, there is some evidence that the way society perceives youth sexual behaviors may lead to unhealthy attitudes towards sex in young people. This has been shown in several studies, and there is research that indicates that young people living in rural communities in the United States and in Nigeria are more likely to have inconsistent sex behavior.
On the other hand, a high school health class typically deals with basic bodily functions and wellness, such as how to protect themselves from infection, the safe use of medical practices, and the importance of consistent sexual health education. The curriculum is developed by a professional body such as the American Academy of Pediatrics or the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Sex education standards for a high school are usually determined by state laws, but there is no national minimum age limit or prerequisite for entering a school. The only prerequisite for graduation is that the student must have completed the basic education requirement in a secondary school.
Sex Education is different in the United States and in the United Kingdom depending on the level of government control over it. In most cases, the Sexual Health Service or NHS Sex Education Classroom has been seen as a negative influence on younger generations in the Western World. This is because the majority of people who have participated in this kind of class are younger than the average age for conception, and they are under the impression that sex can and should be avoided until marriage. Consequently, many students feel uncomfortable talking about sex with their parents or even with their peers in the classroom.
It is important for sexual education in the UK to be able to deal with issues related to teenage pregnancy. Teenagers are often the victims of hiv/aids in sub-Saharan Africa where HIV prevalence is very high. There is a high level of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, and sexually transmitted hiv/aids often accompany or follow HIV. Sexually active teenagers and adults are at increased risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, especially when they lack information on safe sex and birth control. Without the teaching of correct practices regarding pregnancy, STIs, and HIV, there is an increased risk of having unwanted children.