The silence on sexuality

Context: It is must to fill the large gaps left by inadequate sex education and the prosecution-focussed approach of POCSO.

Issue associated with Sex Education

• Misinformation about the “in-between-parts” of body: Since childhood, the adults teaches children not to touch “in between-parts” of body, as it is shameful to do so.
  • So, most children encounter information about sexuality, sex, bodies through the lens of shame and violence.
• Silence around sexuality: There is not enough conversation on sexuality. So, children unable to extract the fruitful knowledge about it.
• Children and adults getting either archaic or overly sexualised information through inaccurate sources: 
  • A lot has shifted since the internet opened doors to talk about sexuality freely and openly.
• Adults are uncomfortable to provide sexual information: They are unable to explore the scope of sexuality education due to unfounded fear that it may lead to promiscuity or risk-taking behaviours in young people.
• Violatory experiences while talking about sex education: People approach it as “awareness for children” or “protection of children from violence”.
• Attempts to protect children are not fully solidified: Recently, Bombay High Court dismissed a case of child sexual abuse with the reasoning that “groping without taking off clothes is not abuse” because of “lack of direct skin to skin contact”.
• Children saying “No” are heavily discouraged: The guardian has the authority to give consent on behalf of the child everywhere. So, they are heavily discouraged, once an adult has given consent. 
  • Under POSCO, a person under 18 can never consent to any sexual activity.
• Path to provide sex education is full of hurdles: Concerns for providing sex education are:
  • Adult who has information on sexual acts involving a child has to report it to the police. 
  • School find themselves hesitating in conducting sessions on sexuality education: They are not equipped to deal with the consequences of discussing. 

Way Forward:

• Need to provide Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE): It will promote a culture where sexual violence can be prevented.
• Age-appropriate solutions do exist and must be sought to not only prevent violence in their lives as children but also build a better understanding of their bodies. 
• Need to provide safe spaces to unpack the existing information, bust myths and (un)learn together.

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