When Everyone Looked Away, Two Dared to Look Sex Education in the Eye (Part II)

Here is what goUNMUTE reporter Janet J. Mascarenhas finds out from Sanjana Seth

Part II

“Sex Education Cannot Start in Class 9 — It Must Start When Puberty Begins”

By Dr. Sanjana Seth

MA, PhD, Psychologist & Psychotherapist,Consultant at SMRC Hospital Chicalim

Step-wise it is excellent because we as Indians do not talk about it at all, and our children end up learning from peers, magazines or now the internet — which may not give correct information and is often exaggerated, especially when it comes to porn. So it is always better that children get real, factual information rather than inappropriate sources.

Today we do not differentiate much between boys and girls. Boys too should be sensitive and aware of menstruation and pre-puberty changes. It must be taught positively — without shame, because at the end of the day, it is the human body with only small differences. The systems, hormones, reactions are the same. This must be done sensitively by trained teachers who are themselves comfortable. If a male teacher is not comfortable talking about a women’s body, it won’t come out well. Same with a female teacher. Comfort matters.

Today we also have great technology — pictures, educational videos — which make it easier. Technology has two sides. Phones and AI can cause addiction but can also educate even in remote places. It depends on how it is used — and parents are role models.

Parents need psycho-education first. Until bias like “girls do this, boys don’t do that” is gone at home, nothing changes. Schools too must stop naming-shaming and teach acceptance, boundaries, respect, consent.

Children today are different — schools and parents must evolve together. It can start very early — even age 5 to 8, gently, through storytelling — not big words. Everything begins at home first, and then school reinforces it. It works best when both are aligned.