Students would receive sex education from the first grade

Psychologists have applauded the idea, calling it an important reform.

First graders would have the lesson on ‘humans and health’ which gives knowledge about external parts and senses, and shows how to keep the body safe and healthy. 

After the lesson, students will be able to name the external parts, their functions and the senses of the body. They need to either draw human body or use existing pictures to talk about some parts of the body and write the names of the parts.

The lesson will be considered successful if students can identify the private area of the body to be protected; practice saying ‘no’ and keeping away from people who touch their bodies and threaten their safety; and practice speaking with trusted adults for help when needed.

Dr of Sociology Hoang Ba Thinh from the Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanity said that teaching issues related to sex education to first graders was a correct decision.

Thinh made many comments on the content of the program on sex education and gender equality to the new general education program compilation committee.

He said it would be good to design a separate subject for sex education and gender equality for general school students. However, he admitted this would be a big problem for the compilers. 

The current curriculum is believed to be too heavy for students, therefore, it needs thorough consideration when setting up any new subject. Thinh believes it would be more feasible if sex education is integrated into other learning subjects.

Thinh went on to say that besides the official lessons in the curriculum, teachers should also provide knowledge about sex and gender equality through games to preschool children. The games could be deployed as parts of extracurricular activities.

Trieu Thi Thanh Nga, a primary school teacher in Phuc Tho district in Hanoi, also thinks adding the lessons related to sex education in the curriculum for first graders is a necessity in the context of increased child abuse.

With detailed education program, teachers will have higher awareness of providing necessary knowledge and skills that help students avoid evils and protect themselves.

Nguyen Thi Nga, a parent in Hai Ba Trung district in Hanoi, commented that educators now only pay attention to carrying out sex education in higher grades, while the children at the ages of 3-4 also need the lessons.

She said that official lessons to be provided by schools, together with parents’ instructions, will be very useful.

“Small children also need to have necessary knowledge to be able to protect themselves,” she said.

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Tien Phong