Why Sex Education By Parents Is Important For Indian Teenagers

It is a known fact that the topic of sex is extremely taboo in our country. This is why most Indian teenagers cannot relate to the concept of their parents having a meaningful conversation about discovering their sexuality with them. This is something important because how a child is introduced to the phenomenon that is sex in their formative years, determines how they would perceive it for most of their lives.

Most Indian children come to know of it through peers and friends and are conditioned to believe it should not be mentioned near parents. It can lead to them developing a twisted idea of sex instead of a healthy one instilled by parents. Being aware of such things early in life can also make children wary of sexual predators. The need for sex education, gender knowledge and understanding of gender identities is more essential now than ever.

Appropriate advice should be given to a teenage girl without making her feel bad or hurt, according to doctor Shanthani Dukhnai. Your adolescent daughter needs to know how you feel about sexuality, particularly as a parent. You also need to be aware of your adolescent girl’s feelings and point of view. Pay close attention to what she has to say.

The next step is to tell your girl about the myths, false beliefs, and misinformation surrounding both sex and sexuality. Your daughter may have collected wrong information from other sources, which could make her suffer from low self-esteem or develop other feelings like being prejudiced towards a particular sexuality. You need to break that bubble for her.

The next step is to explain, according to your comfort level, the concept of sexually transmitted diseases and contraceptive methods. You need to give your teenage girl confidence that she can confidently ask you for clarification if she has any doubts about this.

Respect her choices and preferences and give her privacy. As a parent, you also need to understand that one cannot choose their gender identity and you have to accept your daughter irrespective of what gender she identifies with. Don’t force your decisions on the child based on what society says or what you fear.