Originally posted by fable
With respect, I don't regard that as a substitute for one-on-one dialog with somebody you love and trust. This is simply too personal an issue to be placed in the hands of any third party, be it by book or class, IMO.
On the other hand, there are issues surrounding sex, such as contraceptives, sexually transmitted diseases, abortions, etc, which do belong in the classroom. That's because some parents will avoid these topics. Some will even go out of their way to see to it that their children learn nothing about 'em, and that can hurt rather than help.
I agree. Initially, I believe, the basics should be discussed between the children and their parents, at a time and pace that is right for the child. I do not foresee that I will be discussing Stds and abortions with my seven year old. Not at this age, but at a later stage or at a time that he brings up the subject, whichever happens sooner. Kids learn a lot of what they know in the playground, we as parents should be open to discuss these issues when they arise. As kids grow, though, many are less likely to turn to their parents and instead look to their peer group. Here is where class education comes in, in my opinion, with all the peer group learning together. I guess one of the reasons I think this is important, is many will not have an open relationship at home, or maybe have never raised such questions, and to avoid ambiguity from what they pick up in their social circles they should be able discuss issues with their friends in a more collective environment with an adult on hand to dispel any myths...
@The Z, sex-ed is not mandatory here until - I think - late junior, but more likely senior school, and then it is not an in depth study. From my own experience - but then I left school a while ago - it formed six weeks at two hours a week of a 'personal development' subject that also covered career choices etc. Prior to this, it was part of biology, where love was not discussed. Some schools do offer sex-ed earlier, with an opt out agreement for parents...
@DW - LMAO! re Barney!
How I hated that programme, and was so glad my kids did too!
