Lack of Sex Education in Schools in Relation to Teenage Pregnancy In many African cultures, especially Nigeria, sex education is believed to be out of context. It is believed that when sex education is given to a child, he or she may become promiscuous. Because of this, parents tend to avoid any question the child asks which is based on issues of sexuality. They frown at the child, their thought is either the child is spoilt or the child has committed a crime. However, the negative notion about sex education is wrong. Infact, good sex education for young person�s delays the onset of sexual activity and makes it safer for them when they commence it. Parents are expected to play active roles in the child�s sex education. Therefore, it is in the early years of a teenager that parental role in sex education is vital. Anochie and Ikpeme (2001) Stated that early sexual health education starting from primary school, would be helpful in influencing the reproductive decision and sexual behavior of the student, including contraceptive acceptance and usage to avoid teenage pregnancy. Education of parents is also recommended in order to overcome the culture barriers and taboos. European countries have already demonstrated great success with responsible medically accurate sexuality education. For example, the Netherlands where sexuality education begins in pre-school and is integrated into all levels and subjects of schooling boasts the lowest teenage birth rate in the world. 6.9 per 1, 000 women aged 15 � 19 years, a rate almost eight times lower than that of the U.S. Likewise, the Dutch teenage abortion rate is more than three times lower than that of U.S., and its overall AIDs case rate is more than eight times lower. In Germany, where sexuality education is comprehensive and targeted to meet the reading and developmental needs of the students, the teenage birth rate is more than four times lower than that of the United States and its over all AIDS rate is 11.5 times lower (Bandis, Frost and Forrest, 1999). Osula (2003) said that sex education is not only genital sexual expression only, is not the expression of physical aspects and the communication of physical facts but includes gender identity, sexual expressions, gender rate, family role, social role body image, eroticism, affection, love, intimacy and relationship. Sex education affects a person�s attitude and opinions. A sexually oriented person learns to believe in the equality of men and women, parental responsibility and parenthood in its manifestations. With healthy sex education, there is usually a lower percentage rate of unwanted pregnancies and incidence of veneral diseases. Action Health Incorporated (2001) ascertained that sexuality education is a life long process of acquiring information and forming attitudes beliefs and values about identity, relationships and intimacy. It encompasses sexual development, reproductive health, interpersonal relationship, affections, intimacy and gender roles. Sexuality education addresses the biological, socio-cultural, psychological and spiritual dimensions of sexuality from the cognitive domain, including the skills to communicate effectively and make responsible decisions. Sexuality education is based on four primary goals, which are: - Information - Attitudes - Relationships - Responsibility Information about human reproduction, anatomy d physiology family life, pregnancy, childbirth, parenthood, sexual response, sexual orientation, contraceptive, abortion, sexual abuse, HIV/AIDs and other sexually transmitted diseases. Opportunities should be given to individuals to question, explore and assess their sexual attitudes in order to develop their own values, to enhance self-esteem and to develop insights concerning relationships with members of both sexes and understand their sexuality and help them develop the capacity for carrying on supportive, non-coercive and mutually pleasurable sexual relationship. The continuity must be involved in the development of the programmes. Sexuality education must be carefully developed wholesome or positive attitude towards sex and marriage, understand the need for family planning and issues like pregnancy and parenthood. Generally speaking, there is a little involvement of young people in any educational programme or services that are provided for their age group either in contributing to an understanding and extending the effectiveness and scope of those services. Owie (2001) stated that if educate our children and inculcate positive social and moral behavior in them, it will in turn influence positively their attitude in the macro society and society will be a better place for all. It must be reiterated here that sex education, apart from reducing the rate of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, manifests no evidence of any deleterious effects on character formation. Infact, sex education carried out on good religious and cultural foundation has the most gratifying result. In summary, much of the literature reviewed emphasized that, early good sex education for young people prevents the ugly side effects of teenage pregnancy. It is also identified that all those who influence adolescent behavior lack awareness or sensitivity to the special problems of young people .some of the factors that lead to the attitude includes lack of training, misinformation and simply embarrassment in discussing matters related to sexuality.
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