HANOI UNIVERSITY

ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSE DEPARTMENT

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SEX EDUCATION IN HIGH SCHOOL

Teacher : Tran Thuy Hang

Students : Tran Thi Minh Hop
Nguyen Khanh Huyen
Class: 1TC-20ACN
Course: EAP Writing
Date: March 30, 2021

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 ABSTRACT

Sex education has become more and more important during the present time.
This paper, based on secondary research, discusses this problem among
students in high schools. To generalize the right solutions for the current
situation, we have provided a reliable concept for readers. The findings of the
research are the realities and problems of current sex education in society,
especially in high school. Finally, we would like to suggest some practical
solutions for everyone to teach about gender education effectively. To achieve
this goal, the school and family should have an equal role because children’s
nurture appeals for both practical aid. Hopefully, after reading this research
paper, readers will have a different, more open view to share their
information and experiences on sex education.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT...............................................................................................................ii
1. Introduction...........................................................................................................1
2. Discussion of findings............................................................................................1
2.1. What is sex education?...................................................................................1
2.2. Why does sex education become more and more important today?...........2
2.2.1. Reality of sex education...........................................................................2
2.2.2. Problems of sex education nowadays.....................................................2
2.2.3. Benefits of sex education.........................................................................2
2.3. How to educate about sex education with high school students effectively?
................................................................................................................................3
3. Conclusion..............................................................................................................4
REFERENCES..........................................................................................................5

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1. Introduction
The more we grow, the more we need to educate about sex. Unfortunately, universal education
programs focus only on teaching the social and natural sciences, but do not focus on training soft
skills for humans, especially gender education. As a result, many students today lack of
education about their body, they have exposed to sources of incorrect information about sex that
likely leads to many serious consequences. According to statistics of Ministry of Health in
Vietnam, there are approximately 300 – 400 thousands of abortion at the age of 15 – 19 of which
60 – 70% are students. As you can see, unless each of students is educated probably about sex
education, these alarming numbers will be increased in the nearly future. As stated by SIECUS
(Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States): “Sexuality education is a
lifelong process of acquiring information and forming attitudes, beliefs and values about such
important topics as identity, relationships and intimacy”. Therefore, this research is written with
the aim of knowing the important of gender education in high school students in Vietnam and
also gives some effective solutions about this problem.

2. Discussion of findings
2.1. What is sex education?
Nowadays, sex education is interested in by many countries all around the world. In children's
sex education, parents are the first to provide information for their understanding of many areas
of life, especially gender. However, as quoted by International Guidelines on Sexuality
Education, cultural and social barriers have affected more or less the information exchange
between parents and children (UNESCO, p.2, 2009). At present,many people still may think that
gender education is a sensitive problem. As a result, reception and understanding about sex are
still limited which has a significant impact on human’s future. Therefore, sexuality education
should be one of the most crucial subjects that is concerned by everyone.
As defined by the Standards for Sexuality Education in Europe, sex education is teaching
children issues related to quality and human perception of gender. Through a long learning
process, proper education provides people with the skills to support and protect the development
of a healthy gender. It enables them to know about safe relationships and who are responsible for
themselves with the relationships around them to lead a healthy and happy life. Effective gender
education contributes to making our society more and more civilized. Besides, according to
WHO, BZgA- a WHO Collaborating Centre for sexual and reproductive Health, and UNFPA, its
ultimate goal is to help people have more correct information about sex, respect others in their
relationship and become more concerned about their mental and physical health (sexuality
education, Policy brief No. 1). As stated by SIECUS in the International guidelines on Sexuality
Education, raising awareness of sexual and reproductive health is one of the important purposes
that makes sex education in schools to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),
especially MDG 3 (achieving gender parity), MDG 5 (reducing maternal mortality) and MDG 6
(combating HIV and AIDS), according to International Guidelines on Sexuality Education
(UNESCO, p.5, 2009). “Denying a young person sexuality education — for whatever reason — is
a violation of their human rights” (Chitra Panjabi, SIECUS)

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2.2. Why does sex education become more and more important today?
2.2.1. Reality of sex education
Nowadays, if you spend a day sitting in the maternity ward at a hospital, you will see many kinds
of situations. Here, giving birth only accounts for a small part, the others come to handle
maternity and gynecological accidents, but most of them come there to abort. According to the
statistic of the Directorate of Population Family Planning, in Vietnam, the rate of adolescent
abortion is at an alarming level with around 250000 to 300000 cases each year. In the world,
WHO counted an average of 12 million 15-to 19-year-old girls and at least 777,000 girls who are
aged under 15 give birth each year in developing countries (Adolescent pregnancy, 2020).
Besides, in developing nations, there are about 10 million unintended pregnancies take place per
year in the girl who belong to the 15 to 19 age group (Adolescent pregnancy, 2020). These
numbers indicate an alarming problem among adolescents all over the world.
2.2.2. Problems of sex education nowadays
In the present day, there are many problems in sex education that make it ineffective for
everyone. We will discuss more details about these issues below.
Firstly, it is noticeable that social stereotypes have a substantial effect on sex education (Anna
Serenko, 2014). Actually, gender education is a broad problem that includes information about
reproduction, sex, and other relevant aspects (Serenko, 2014). Sex education is not teaching
people how to sex as many people thought before (Serenko, 2014). Furthermore, the lack of
experienced teachers in this field was also mentioned by Serenko in her 2014 essay. Social
stereotypes also have an impact on teacher’s thinking (Serenko, 2014). That is why they feel less
comfortable sharing the gender-related issues they have experienced with their students as if they
were committed to the school and their parents previously (Serenko, 2014).
Secondly, the information that students receive is not deep because sex education is a broad issue
(Paterson,2018). That is why students' memory will have to be spread across many fields, so
remembering and applying it in practice becomes more limited (Paterson,2018).
2.2.3. Benefits of sex education
Early correct sexuality education has many advantages for both students and young children
according to Cath Hakanson wrote in her posts in 2016: “13 really good reasons to talk to your
child about sex”.
First, early sex education help adolescents avoid many dangerous sexually transmitted diseases
(STIs) (Hakanson, 2016). When students learn enough information about dangerous diseases
such as HIV (human immune-deficiency virus), HSV (herpes simplex virus), HPV (human
papillomavirus) or hepatitis B. If they do not know how to prevent these infections, their long -
life health will be affected when they having sex (Hakanson,2016). Therefore, providing detailed
information and opening interaction between teachers, parents, and students will be a solid
bridge to help adolescents know how to keep safe when they have sex (Hakanson, 2016).
Second, gender education not only helps students in high school prevent SITs but also helps
them avoid unwanted pregnancies (Hakanson, 2016). According to Hakanson, lack of skills and
information about safe sex will lead many curious students to act thoughtlessly. If they don’t

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avoid unwanted pregnancies, they will suffer extremely heavy consequences that have many
negative impacts on their future. Hakanson hope that pregnancy should be happen when people
are mature enough and ready, not by making mistake.
Finally, students can make their own wise decisions regarding gender if they are well studied
( Hakanson, 2016). Making immature decisions can greatly affect a student's future. If a student
is a curious person and social norm prevents the exchange of information between teachers and
learners, they may gain inaccurate information through their friends or social network
(Hakanson, 2016). This problem leads students to have wrong choices, especially sexual abuse- a
very common issue among young people nowadays. At the same time, proper sexual education
also helps students to know their values and to respect themselves more (Hakanson, 2016).
2.3. How to educate about sex education with high school students effectively?

According to “Sexuality education” published by WHO, BZgA- a WHO Collaborating Centre

for sexual and reproductive Health, and UNFPA: “Sexuality education is the responsibility of the
whole school not only via teaching but also via school policies and rules, in school practices, the
curriculum and teaching and learning materials”. (p.3- Policy Brief Number 4). Besides,
families and society also have an important role to educate students about sex (Sexuality
education).
The most feasible solution is the change in the curriculum, especially the method of teaching in
high schools (Sexuality education). A correct curriculum combined with an open exchange of
information between learners and lecturers will form a solid foundation of knowledge and skills
for students (Sexuality education). To do this, students need experienced teachers who have
profound knowledge are willing to teach them the most relevant and crucial knowledge
(Sexuality education). The best curriculum should be in the long term and learner-centered.
Another solution is school leadership and support (Sexuality education). To have a standard
curriculum, leaders need to be at the forefront, encouraging good teachers in this field to make
them feel more positive in their teaching and creating an environment of mutual support
(Sexuality education). It is an open space, without discrimination and priority (Sexuality
education). Besides, in a rapidly developing society, information adjustments should be made
regularly, at least once a year (Sexuality education). Furthermore, not only do we need talented
teachers and leaders, but we all also need to create a safe environment in our community
(Sexuality education). The teaching and learning process is not only reflected inside each
classroom but also in the external environment (Sexuality education). Respecting each individual
will create a safe learning environment and help them to grow in all aspects (Sexuality
education) Last but not least, the school should create a strong bridge with the students’ parents
to educate students about sex because parents also have an important position in educating their
children (Sexuality education). As you know, students not only study in school, in society but
also at home (Sexuality education). Parents should build opportunities for the opening
communication between themselves and their kids (Sexuality education). Above all, it is
necessary to break down barriers of social prejudice related to sexual issues so that children do
not have to absorb false information (Sexuality education). If parents and schools have the right

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method to educate their kids, they will be educated about sex in the best way (Sexuality
education).

3. Conclusion
The above paper has shown the alarming situation of sex education among children and
adolescents nowadays. At the same time, bringing out the most effective measures to help
improve sex education among high school students. Schools, parents, and society must join
hands and contribute to helping children to have a correct understanding of sex education. Also,
the significant benefits of having a proper sex education for children are offered above. Finally, a
new destination is that we should be more open to sharing with children about sex education to
help them improve their knowledge.

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REFERENCES
Cổng thông tin điện tử Bộ Y Tế (2019). Mang thai ở tuổi vị thành niên “ con số đáng báo
động”.
Retrieved from
https://moh.gov.vn/hoat-dong-cua-lanh-dao-bo/-/asset_publisher/k206Q9qkZOqn/content/mang-
thai-o-tuoi-vi-thanh-nien-con-so-ang-bao-ong-
Sexuality Information and Education Council of the US (SIECUS), 2004. Guidelines for
Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Kindergarten - 12th Grade, Third Edition. Retrieved from
https://siecus.org/resources/the-guidelines/ (p.13).
UNESCO (2009). International Guidelines on Sexuality Education: An evident informed
approach to effective sex, relationships and HIV/STI education. Retrieved from
https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/8556521DD9D4A9E64925762000240120-
UNESCO-Aug2009.pdf (p.2, p.5).

The Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) (…). Standards in Sexuality Education.
Retrieved from
https://www.bzga-whocc.de/en/publications/standards-in-sexuality-education/
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Health Organization (WHO), Federal Centre
for Health Education (BZgA) (2016). Sexuality Education: Policy brief No. 1. Retrieved from
https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/379043/Sexuality_education_Policy_brief
_No_1.pdf?ua=1&fbclid=IwAR3lZOe5XKMWyQD4bI85-
lxHtaMj37UYPVuFmggBOzMuciR_e9lgV_yi3b0
World Health Organization (WHO), 2020. Adolescent pregnancy. Retrieved from
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescentpregnancy?
fbclid=IwAR2A_5eqKLhW7wbrzBrjJ_imJg8HBDJC2wnGa2-ReRKcNIU6inSEyvn5zds

Anna Serenko (2014), Comprehensive Sex Ed: Understanding The Benefits And Barriers.
Retrieved from
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/sex-ed-barriers-and-benefits/
Paterson, J. (2018). Sex education in schools needs an upgrade. Retrieved from
https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/sex-education-schools-needs-
upgrade?
fbclid=IwAR1Aqb6jQXWPu_nsuHLNYFm3lxdmuOtg7lBG8fOmjhWuEysNW7GNhhTVa58.

Hakanson, C. (2016). 13 really good reasons to talk to your child about sex. Retrieved from
https://sexedrescue.com/advantages-of-sex-education/

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United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Health Organization (WHO), Federal Centre
for Health Education (BZgA) (2016). Sexuality Education: Policy brief No. 4. Retrieved from
http://www.educationsexuelle-ecole.ch/ck/ckfinder/userfiles/files/CSE%20Policy%20Brief
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