Forum: Rethink approach to sex education

Sexual content on the internet is ubiquitous; easily accessed 24 hours a day; free; anonymous; and increasingly normalised (

Porn on social media platforms being disguised as educational content

, Feb 10).

Importantly, such content preys on and exploits the biological sexual development of children and young people, and its harmful effects can be profound and may last through adulthood.

I concur with the views that monitoring and blocking sexually explicit content on the internet is an important approach – and there is much to be done.

Also, while blocking efforts are necessary, are they sufficient?

Would changing the role and content of sex education in schools and homes have a key role in the prevention of porn usage?

Currently, sex education tends to focus on the dangers of sex, such as diseases and unwanted pregnancies. This may reinforce the view with children that sex is taboo, shameful and unnatural.

Providing biological facts about human procreation also has limitations in providing practical and compelling guidance for young people.

Schools in other countries provide education that addresses the role of consensual sex in a mature, intimate and committed relationship.

They also engage young people in age-appropriate open, confidential and safe dialogues about sex, sexuality and sexual intimacy.

It is understandable that many parents are anxious that a broader-based sex education and open discussions will inevitably lead to more sexual exploration.

Parents may also be concerned that such an approach to sex education will conflict with their values, morals and religious beliefs.

These are indeed very real risks and concerns in some families.

I submit that such concerns are best weighed against the clear and present danger of young people obtaining their sex “education” from pornography and sexualised content.

If preventative sex education is to be effective, the harms of porn are best contrasted with an age-appropriate understanding of emotional maturity, healthy sex, consent, intimacy and commitment.

The limitations of blocking porn and sexualised content, combined with the prevalence of porn usage, are a call to action for parents and educators.

Rethinking our approach to sex education may be a risk worth taking.

Andrew John da Roza