Sex education : it's not a joke

Authors

J Stokes, Salt Shakers

Abstract

Sex education is probably the most controversial subject dealt with by schools, with educators walking a tightrope in deciding what should be taught by schools and what is the responsibility of parents. In the March 2009 edition of 'Teacher', Mark Butler advocated recreational sex, distinguishing between 'sex for procreation' and 'sex for recreation'. The author of this article, who works for a Christian ethics organisation, debates Butler's stance and rebuts his handling of the topic. She argues that whatever a school's approach to sex education - from a full explanation of contraception and sexual behaviour right through to promoting abstinence - each school must treat the subject sensitively and responsibly, not in the cavalier and comedic approach presented by Butler. [Author abstract, ed]

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