In secondary school, the very first years in secondary school are a time when children are extremely vulnerable to threats which didn’t exist in the same way previously. The way that youngsters interact and communicate now is different from how it used to be, the online element is huge, and so is the disparity in knowledge between caregivers and their children. The risk areas are now so many and so diverse that we have no hope of shielding our children from them, so we must give them the tools to navigate their world safely, and we must help them acquire these tools in good time, i.e. before they need them. We have seen, in Cambodia, an increase in the number of children getting into dangerous situations, and a disparity between provision of knowledge to keep them safe and the dangers.
In the past year, 11% of internet-using children aged 12–17 in Cambodia were subjected to clear examples of online sexual exploitation, these are the numbers reported. The were almost twice as many boys affected as girls, does this speak to the real picture or does it tell us that the real number is higher, and the girls could be underreported because of factors like cultural stigma?
Scaled to the national population, this represents an estimated 160,000 children, just in Cambodia. We simply do not live in the same world as I did when I was this age, we had only the physical dangers my parents needed to protect me from. Now we have more opportunities for harm, on platforms most parents do not understand. Platforms such as any social media platform you can name, online gaming, messaging apps and so many more.
In the Uk alone, 21 schoolgirls get pregnant every day. That's 7,665 per year, on one small island.
A majority of the research reported the content of the sexual health education offered in schools was heteronormative. This is great for many but how do the children who already identify as LGBTQIA+ find themselves in this information? The lessons primarily consisted of information about puberty, the dangers of sex, penile-vaginal intercourse, STIs, and pregnancy. Extremely seldom was there any mention of the pleasure element of sex, sometimes there was some talk of sexuality and gender although very often when children have been aware of their own preferences for some time.
We can be better!
In South East Asia, the significance of comprehensive relationship education intertwines with the promotion of inclusivity, respect for diverse identities, and the cultivation of healthy interpersonal connections. This region is a tapestry of cultures, traditions, and beliefs where comprehensive relationship education encompassing LGBTQ identities and consent becomes crucial for several reasons.
Firstly, South East Asia experiences a rich diversity of gender identities and sexual orientations that are often overlooked or marginalized within traditional educational frameworks. Introducing comprehensive relationship education allows for the acknowledgment and inclusion of LGBTQ identities, fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding among peers and within communities.
Secondly, the cultural fabric of many South East Asian societies places a premium on family values and interpersonal relationships. By integrating lessons on consent and healthy relationships, students gain crucial insights into respectful communication, personal boundaries, and the importance of mutual respect within relationships. This not only enhances their individual well-being but also contributes to the creation of a more harmonious society.
Moreover, promoting comprehensive relationship education that includes LGBTQ identities and consent aligns with the global movement toward inclusivity and human rights. By empowering young individuals with knowledge about diverse identities and the importance of consent, South East Asia can progress toward fostering a more equitable and empathetic society.
In addition, this education equips young people with essential skills to navigate the complexities of contemporary relationships, especially in an era dominated by digital communication and globalization. Teaching about consent and LGBTQ identities provides a framework for understanding the evolving landscape of relationships, fostering empathy, and promoting informed decision-making among youth.
Ultimately, comprehensive relationship education inclusive of LGBTQ identities and consent is not only an ethical imperative but also a pragmatic necessity for South East Asia. It lays the groundwork for fostering a society built on tolerance, respect, and healthy interpersonal connections, ensuring the holistic development and well-being of its future generations.
Let's be better!