Why is sex education important for adolescents?
These are the reasons why it is essential to offer sex education to young people.
Sexology is not a work discipline limited to patient care in a clinic or health center; it also has a very important educational facet, which in many cases is directed towards adolescents.
This last segment of the population is the one that begins to discover sexuality from a genuine curiosity that goes beyond what is studied in the classrooms of conventional class hours, so it is important that they can have an adequate guide.
With that in mind, throughout this article we will go over the main reasons why sex education for adolescents is important..
The importance of sex education for adolescents, in 5 key points
These are the reasons why it is important to make sure that adolescents have a good sex education.
It serves to debunk myths about sex.
Part of the work we do in sexology consists of refuting the myths about sex and sexuality that have been circulating for years and have taken root in popular culture, leading to misunderstandings at best, and to behaviors that put health at risk at worst.
It should not be forgotten that since this is a subject that is still very much taboo but which at the same time attracts the attention of young people, this encourages the emergence of erroneous interpretations. that encourages erroneous interpretations of sexuality.. Therefore, it is essential to prevent misunderstandings and fears that may arise because of these ideas that do not correspond to reality.
This is especially important in the case of young people who, having entered adolescence, begin to feel curious about sexual relations: their lack of information on the subject is coupled with a relative lack of criteria to know what is dangerous and what is not, and the need for a guide to know how to take into account the preferences and tastes of others.
Thus, from sexology we contribute to to prevent these misconceptions about sex from limiting the way in which adolescents think and act in relation to this area of life.We do this both by advising parents (giving them help in parenting) and by giving talks in schools and appearing in the media.
2. Helping to generate a culture tolerant of different forms of sexual identity.
Historically, many minorities who experience sexuality in a way that is different from what has been considered "the norm" have been discriminated against and even criminalized.
In this sense, sex education for adolescents also helps to prevent these dynamics of injustice from being helps to prevent these dynamics of injustice from being perpetuated over generations.. This not only serves to prevent violence against people for reasons of sexual orientation or gender identity, but also helps young people not to be afraid of the process of sexual self-knowledge.
3. It helps them to leave their insecurities behind.
In line with the above, sex education allows adolescents to stop believing that they are "weird" or that they have a lot of things to hide, as they see that their doubts or insecurities are not so serious.by seeing that their doubts or the supposed imperfections they thought they had are shared by many others.
In other words, in this way sex and sexual performance are demystified, making it more human and focused not on mechanics, but on the search for pleasure and the ability to connect with other people.
4. Create a line of communication so that they can resolve doubts.
Once you have created a context in which young people can get sex education, it is easier for them to ask questions about their sexuality, it is easier for them to ask questions in an active waybecause the subject is no longer taboo. Even if they come to mind days after attending a talk or workshop, they will find it easier to find reliable information or ask the right person what they need.
Do you want sexology services?
If you are interested in having the support of sexology professionals either to start a therapy process or to get assistance in sex education, please contact us. At Avance Psychologists we have more than two decades of experience treating patients and families, and we currently offer sex therapy, psychotherapy oriented to individuals or couples and families, psychiatric assistance and neuropsychological assistance. Sessions can be conducted in person at our center located in Madrid, or through online sessions by video call.
(Updated at Apr 13 / 2024)