A GROWING CONCERN
Although adolescence is often characterized by youthful exuberance as its most endearing hallmark it has its own problems. This developmental period marked by discovery and experimentation comes with a myriad of physical & emotional changes. Sexual behaviour, drugs, alcohol & tobacco usage often forms a part of this exploration. In the name of culture, religion or morality, these young people are often denied access to information about reproduction and sexual health. Hence, in their quest for information, these curious yet ill-informed teenagers turn to unreliable sources, including porno literature, media, the internet and their peer group, who themselves are inadequately informed. Surrounded by images on television, movies and magazines of glamorous people having sex, smoking and drinking, the teenagers get mixed messages & finally give in to peer pressure to experiment with the same. This has resulted in a very critical situation. In India, 20% of the adolescent males and 10% of adolescent females are sexually active. Incidents of rape, molestation & teenage pregnancy are also increasing. Adolescents themselves rate sex education as one of their most important educational needs. However, what they should know is very controversial. Perhaps, no other subject sparks as much debate. In fact, an adolescent asked me this question during an interview on Doordarshan as to what he should know pertaining to this issue. The simplest reply to this debatable question would be “all that can save him/her from the influence of negative pressures prevent risky sexual behaviour as well as reduce his/her vulnerability”. In other words, he/she needs to know about the process of maturation, especially related to reproductive development, conception and contraception. Information on sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS and consequences of risky sexual behaviour is also a must. In most homes, ‘Sex’ is a taboo. Since parents are the first natural teachers of a child, it is important that they shed their reservations and inhibitions and talk on adolescent issues. They should use every opportunity available to discuss and interact with their children. Questions on these issues should rather be invited from the adolescents by creating a congenial atmosphere conducive to putting an adolescent at ease. Helping the children overcome the pressures on account of sudden physical, emotional and social changes can cut down a multitude of problems that may emerge later. Simply respecting their independent identity and the right to privacy can do this. Also, involving them in decision making in the family matters and respecting their decisions can go a long way in giving a boost to building trust and confidence in you. This can also be done by sharing their knowledge with the adolescent child about the physical, emotional and social growth and development taking place in them. Parents can even narrate some embarrassing or interesting moments from their own experiences in the past. It is also important that the parents do not thrust their aspirations on the children rather let them free to choose their career as per their interest. In a nutshell, improving] communication with children can help the parents in enabling these young adults to develop comfort with their sexuality. With many parents still unwilling and unprepared to talk to their children about sex and sexuality, the role of school has become singularly important. Many progressive schools have requisitioned the services of health care professionals including doctors and NGO’s to carry out workshops on the perceived needs of students on sexual health. As knowledge alone is not enough to change behaviours, these programmes should also include development of young peoples’ skill in negotiation, decision-making, assertion and listening. Adolescents also welcome opportunities to talk about issues on which people have strong view such as abortion, sex before marriage, lesbian and gay issues, birth control etc. These issues can be used to reinforce the Indian socio-cultural values and religious views. A more intensive STD/HIV & substance abuse prevention programme should be aimed at out of school youth or dropouts, as they are more at risk. This can be done using the concept of ‘Adolescent Friendly Health services’, which is becoming popular in most foreign countries. Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the nation has said ‘DO AS YOU WANT TO SEE INDIA; hence to produce healthy, happy, well informed, responsible and gender sensitive teenagers inclusion of the Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health curriculum is a must.

Author: Dr. ANSHU ASRI 
Date: 25 Nov,2005