Not surprisingly, the Ontario government’s decision to update the sex education curriculum has been greeted by howls of protest, including here in Rainy River District, where a meeting hosted by the Parents As First Educators (PARE) group drew about 75 people last month at the Emo Inn.
Many of the concepts being covered are nothing new. What’s controversial is the fact they’ll be taught at younger grade levels—starting in Grade 1.
The debate harkens back to one here a quarter-century ago, when local school board trustees were weighing the decision to install condom dispensers in the washrooms at Fort High.
The aim was to prevent pregnancies; the fear was it would promote promiscuity.
Just as kids cringe at the thought of their parents “doing it,” parents likewise don’t like to think of their children as sexual beings. But while everyone wants their kids to remain in the cherished innocence of childhood for as long as possible, the reality is that youngsters today are being bombarded by sexual images, messages, and innuendo daily thanks to TV shows and even commercials, movies, music, and, of course, the Internet.
There also is scientific evidence that children, and particularly girls, are reaching puberty at a younger age.
As such, it’s imperative our children are properly educated and equipped to deal with their bodies and feelings as early as possible.
Parents are—and always will be—their child’s “first educator.” But rather than fear sex education in class, parents should see it as an opportunity to take a close interest in what their children are being taught and use it as a means to discuss what often is a difficult topic to broach.
Updating the sex ed. curriculum is a sign of the times—and the right move. Ignorance may be bliss, but not when it comes to our children’s sexuality.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
