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The Teaching of Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Basis For A Guidance Program On Sexuality Awareness
The Teaching of Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Basis For A Guidance Program On Sexuality Awareness
Abstract:- The government has acknowledged the educate students on their sexual health and fill them with all
necessity for a thorough approach to sexuality education. the necessary information to be able to mitigate and eradicate
Incorporating it into the curriculum is one way to these issues and their overall development.
progressively give young people the power to make
educated decisions. With this in mind, this study Osadolor UE et al. (2022) stated that sexual behavior
investigated the extent to which comprehensive sexuality during adolescence fundamentally steers the future life of
education is taught to Grade 10 students, as well as the both girls and boys, and it should be guided by appropriate
factors that typically influence these students' sexuality. education. Ramírez-Villalobos, D. et al. (2021) schools are an
The students' perceptions of the current benefits and ideal place to strengthen adolescents’ sexual knowledge and
drawbacks of comprehensive sexuality education were modify their behavior, guiding them to exercise responsible
elicited, resulting in their appreciation of the contribution sexuality. To adequately address the unique needs and rights
of school initiatives to their reawakening of human of teenagers, opportunities must be expanded.
sexuality. The assessment results from the students
became an input in the proposed school-based guidance Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is a
program on sexuality education awareness. curriculum-based process of teaching and learning about the
cognitive, emotional, physical, and social aspects of
Keywords:- Comprehensive Sexuality Education, Sexuality sexuality. The Republic Act 10354 Responsible Parenthood
Education Awareness, Reproductive Health, Knowledge, and Reproductive Health Act of 2012) and the RP-RH Act of
Skills, and Attitudes on CSE. 2012, are two laws, that govern comprehensive sexuality
education in the Philippines. By this national policy, the
I. INTRODUCTION Philippine Government is required to satisfy all the needs of
Filipino citizens about responsible parenthood and
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the reproductive health.
general health and well-being of people, couples, and
families, as well as the social and economic development of With the emerging issues concerning young people in
societies, depend on their sexual health. When regarded sexuality, it is crucial to provide appropriate education to our
positively, sexual health necessitates a positive and respectful learners. Thus, this study aims to assess the knowledge of
attitude toward sexuality and romantic relationships, as well adolescent learners about sexuality to create an appropriate
as the ability to enjoy joyful and secure sexual experiences program to promote awareness to hopefully mitigate, if not
free from compulsion, prejudice, and violence. remove, the impeding issue of sexuality.
Table 2 contains the extent of CSE in terms of Honing With an obtained mean of 3.78, it is a “great extent” that
Skills. Herein, with 4.58 as the obtained mean CSE instills a students have developed trust and open communication,
sense of self-worth and self-respect toward students which enabling students to share their thoughts, concerns, and
implies that it is a “very great extent”. questions without fear of judgment. This is crucial in creating
an environment where individuals can explore and
In terms of the practice of sexual hygiene, the table understand their sexuality.
shows that it is “great extent” with an obtained mean of “4”
which suggests that behaviors, such as changing underwear Lastly, with an obtained mean of 3. 75, the table shows
regularly and washing intimate parts, are likely being that skills such as articulating thoughts and feelings related to
followed by the students based on the provided information. sexuality clearly and respectfully have been “great extent”
This means a positive assessment of students' engagement in among students. This means that students have a fair skill in
sexual hygiene practices. conveying information accurately to ensure understanding
and promote open dialogue.
The table also shows other skills honed by CSE like
listening and understanding others' perspectives on sexual Overall, the listed skills honed by CSE in students have
health and relationships. With an obtained mean of 3.88, it obtained a mean of 4 which is a “great extent”. This implies
implies that CSE according to the respondents has been “great that respondents perceive the teaching of comprehensive
extent” in promoting inclusivity in the context of recognizing sexuality education as effective in honing skills, but further
and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds, values, and development is needed because this not only contributes to
beliefs involves a holistic approach that considers every their well-being but also prepares them to engage responsibly
aspect of an individual's identity and creates an environment and respectfully in the broader societal context.
where everyone feels valued and understood.
Attitudes influence the overall learning environment. The table clearly shows how teachers reinforce healthy
Positive attitudes contribute to a supportive and respectful and positive values about bodies, puberty, relationships, sex,
atmosphere where students feel comfortable exploring and and family life. With a weighted mean of 3.78, it is a “great
understanding various aspects of sexuality. As shown in Table extent” in the learning environment. This implies that
3 are different attitudes that help in developing students have a full view of diverse body types and that they
comprehensive sexuality education. With 4.25 as the are promoting acceptance and appreciation for different
weighted mean, the table shows that students manifest respect shapes, sizes, and appearances.
for one ‘s gender orientation. It implies that students learned
how students should respect and acknowledge the diversity of Lastly, the table shows that teachers have imparted a
sexual orientations, gender identities, and cultural deeper sense of empathy toward others with a weighted mean
backgrounds to is “great extent”. This attitude embraces of 3.43. This suggests that topics skills such as heightened
diversity and ensures that all individuals feel represented and empathy that involve actively listening without judgment,
valued. being open to different viewpoints, and acknowledging
diverse experiences are “moderately extent”. It also entails
Attitude about self-reflection is also shown in the table cultivating a non-biased and non-judgmental attitude to create
with a 4.2 as a weighted mean, which implies that engaging a safe space for individuals to express their thoughts and
in self-reflection and understanding values, preferences, and concerns about sexuality.
boundaries in relationships is “satisfactorily evident”.
Overall, with a weighted mean of 4, it implies that the
The table also shows the extent how which students extent of teaching CSE in honing skills is “great extent”.
developed an understanding of the diversity of sexual However, there is still room for improvement by encouraging
orientations, gender identities, and relationship dynamics. comprehension, respect, making educated decisions, and the
Accordingly, this is a “great extent” with a weighted mean of development of vital life skills. Teaching comprehensive
3.8. This means that effective sexuality education is based on sexuality education helps improve attitudes toward sexuality.
an understanding of the diversity seen in sexual orientations,
gender identities, and relationship dynamics.
B. The Factors that Influence Grade 10 Students About and clearly. This encourages open communication about
Sexuality feelings and emotions to establish a foundation for healthy
The implementation of CSE has been intricately shaped emotional expression.
by different factors that significantly influence students'
experiences and outcomes. Among these factors are as The emotional well-being, including mental health, of
follows: student perception, teacher dynamics, cultural the students is also displayed in the table with a weighted
influences, and environmental conditions which play pivotal mean of 4.13, they “agree” that this may have an impact on
roles in shaping the educational journey. Here, we're trying to their capacity to discuss delicate subjects. This implies that
understand how they affect students' academic performance promoting empathy, providing a safe space for discussion,
and general well-being. To establish an inclusive and and acknowledging the emotional nature of sensitive topics
productive learning environment we can start by can all enhance students' educational experiences in general.
acknowledging and addressing these elements.
The table also shows that students “agree” with the idea
Table 4 clearly shows that one factor that influences that students' openness to learning CSE contents without any
students about CSE is their readiness for certain sexuality malice yields better implementation of CSE. This indicator
topics. With a weighted mean of 4.15, they “agree” that obtained a 3.93 weighted mean which implies that when
students' age and stage development may affect their students are receptive to CSE without any negative intent, it
understanding of CSE. Introducing age-appropriate contributes to a more effective execution of the program.
information about body parts, proper names, and
understanding appropriate and inappropriate touch simply
Additionally, the table shows that students also “agree” The result further supports the findings of Upadhyay, U.
with the idea that students’ attitudes and beliefs about D., & Hindin, M. J. (2006) which state that there is a crucial
sexuality can impact their engagement with the curriculum significance that friends play in adolescents' lives given the
and acquisition of vital facts about CSE, with a weighted conflicting influences that they face.
mean of 3.9. This suggests that students' attitudes and beliefs
about sexuality play a crucial role in their engagement with Collectively, the students “agree” with students'
the CSE curriculum. openness, peer influence, attitude and beliefs, age and
developmental readiness, and emotional well-being as factors
Lastly, according to the table students “agree” with the that affect them in the acquisition of information about
notion that peer influences opinions and misconceptions can sexuality education.
impact student's perception and understanding of sexuality.
This suggests that students acknowledge their peer views and
comprehension of certain sexual topics.
Table 5 shows the different teacher-related factors The table also shows that a diverse approach to teaching
related to the successful implementation of comprehensive is a factor that affects the implementation of CSE. With a
sexuality education, creating an environment that promotes weighted mean of 3.78, students “agree” with the idea that it
understanding, respect, and informed decision-making can help accommodate differences in student's learning
among students. The table shows that students “agree” that styles. This also reflects students’ preference for a student-
teachers ‘promotion, recognition, and respect for gender centered approach to education, where the focus is on
identity and sexual orientation diversity influence sexuality adapting teaching methods to meet the individual needs and
education. This indicator has a 4.43 weighted mean. This preferences of students. Lastly, the table shows that students
suggests that students “agree” that there is a need for an “agree” that teachers should possess a certain favorable
inclusive curriculum that acknowledges and respects the expertise on comprehensive sexuality education. This
diversity of individuals. indicator has a weighted mean of 3.75, which suggests that
students believe that when a teacher is an expert it builds trust
Meanwhile, students “agree” on the idea that teachers’ between teachers and students. When students trust that their
views on sexuality create a great impact on perceptions of the teacher is knowledgeable and supportive, they are more likely
topic. This indicator has a weighted mean of 4.08 which to seek guidance and clarification on sensitive topics.
implies that students view teachers not just educators; they
see them as role models whose views substantially contribute Overall, with a weighted mean of 3.98, students “agree”
to the overall understanding and development of sexuality. with the following indicator that affects or influences them
regarding sexuality education: Teacher’s mastery and
Another factor as shown in the table is the teacher's expertise on CSE topics, teacher’s view about CSE, teacher’s
mastery of the contents in the CSE Curriculum. This indicator recognition and respect for different sexuality and their
has a weighted mean of 3.9. This implies that students “agree” diverse approach in teaching CSE.
with the idea that a teacher’s mastery of topics is essential for
effective instruction, accurate information dissemination, and
creating a positive and impactful learning experience for
students.
Table 6 shows the different environment-related factors environment at all levels in our society significantly
affecting sexuality education. One factor is the availability influences the availability and quality of CSE programs.
and accessibility of healthcare services which includes sexual
and reproductive services. With a weighted mean of 4.28, Another factor shown in the table, with a weighted mean
students “agree” that integration of comprehensive sexuality of 3.98 is the socioeconomic factor. Students “agree” that
education with accessible and supportive healthcare services marginalized groups, often facing economic challenges, may
ensures that individuals not only acquire knowledge but also struggle to access CSE resources due to financial constraints.
have the resources and support systems necessary to make
informed and healthy choices throughout their lives. Lastly, the presence of social media platforms
complements the students’ learning of sexuality as a factor
Another factor shown in the table is the general health that influences sexuality education. This indicator has
and well-being of a community. Herein, it highlights the need obtained a 3.95 weighted mean, which suggests that students
for CSE by including issues related to sexuality. With a “agree” that educators and students should critically evaluate
weighted mean of 4.25, this suggests that students “agree” information, promote reliable sources, and foster a respectful
that if there are barriers to healthcare access, CSE becomes and inclusive online learning environment.
even more critical in providing essential information and
empowering individuals. Overall, the indicated environment-related factors that
influence sexuality education have an average weighted mean
The table also shows that the presence or absence of of 4.09 which implies that students “agree” that social media,
supportive legal and policy frameworks at the national, state, presence and absence of legal and policy frameworks,
or local levels can influence the availability and quality of socioeconomic factors, availability of healthcare services,
CSE programs. This indicator obtained a 4.03 weighted mean and general health and well-being of a community have
which suggests that students “agree” that the legal and policy affected the acquisition and acceptance of information on
comprehensive sexuality education.
Table 7 shows some culture-related factors that affect The table also shows that myths about sexuality hinder
sexuality education. As reflected in the table one of the factors students from accepting the basic facts about gender and sex.
that affects students in sexuality education is the level of This indicator has obtained a weighted mean of 3.93, which
parental and community involvement and support for CSE. implies that students “agree” with the idea that myths may
This indicator has a weighted mean of 4.28. this implies that limit students' access to comprehensive information about
students “agree” that with the full support of parents and sexual health and practices leading to gaps in their
communities, there is a greater chance that students will have understanding of CSE.
consistent messaging between home and school.
Lastly, the indicator with a weighted mean of 3.65 is
Another factor is cultural differences in communication societal taboos and stigma create barriers to open discussion.
styles. This indicator has obtained a 4.13 weighted mean, The result implies that students are “undecided” about
which suggests that students “agree” that effective societal taboos that may affect sexuality education. However,
communication in CSE requires adaptability and flexibility. this may deter individuals from seeking information on
Many communities are culturally diverse, and individuals reproductive health, contraception, and sexually transmitted
within a community may come from various cultural infections as it is deemed forbidden to talk about. This lack of
backgrounds. Thus, teachers/facilitators should be willing to knowledge can cause serious health consequences.
adjust their communication style based on the cultural
context. Overall, with an average weighted mean of 3.99
students “agree” on the different culture-related factors
Also, included in the table with a weighted mean of 4 affecting sexuality education such as myths about sexuality
are religious beliefs that affect students’ perspective and education, religious beliefs, societal taboos and stigma,
receptiveness to sexuality education. Students “agree” with cultural differences, and involvement of parents and
this indicator such that students from various religious community.
backgrounds may have different perspectives on sexuality.
This implies recognizing and respecting diverse beliefs may This result further supports the findings of Chavula, et.
provide an understanding of their specific needs and promote al., (2022) that social and cultural factors influence the
open dialogue that allows students to explore their questions implementation and integration of CSE into educational
within the context of their religious values. systems. Thus, stakeholder collaboration and involvement in
the design and appropriateness of interventions is critical.
This shows that it is important to recognize these factors in
creating sexuality education programs to address the specific
cultural differences fostering an inclusive and culturally
sensitive approach to learning sexuality education.
C. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Comprehensive To guarantee that comprehensive sexuality education
Sexuality Education as Assessed by Grade 10 Students continues to be a useful and inclusive tool in promoting
Developing one's knowledge of sexual health and sexual health and well-being, balancing these benefits and
relationships is facilitated by comprehensive sexuality drawbacks calls for constant research and modification.
education (CSE). It has both advantages and disadvantages.
Table 8 shows the different advantages given by the Also, 21 students, or 53% of the respondents assess that
respondents. The table shows that 35 students or 88% of the CSE gives students a chance to learn about the principles of
respondents assess that CSE enhances students' knowledge consent, communication, and respect, contributing to
and promotes their understanding of sexual and reproductive developing healthier and more respectful relationships.
health. Respondents assess that Comprehensive Sex Through CSE, students learn about the importance of asking
Education (CSE) empowers students to take control of their for and giving consent in sexual situations.
health and well-being, leading to positive outcomes.
While many people believe that Comprehensive
Furthermore, 28 students, or 70 % of respondents assess Sexuality Education (CSE) is an effective way to educate
that with a better understanding of the consequences of risky young people and that it covers a wide range of topics related
behaviors, students are more likely to make informed to human sexuality, including relationships, reproductive
decisions, reducing the risk of unintended pregnancies and health, and sexual behaviors., some argue that it has its
sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Students must have a disadvantages.
clear understanding of the potential consequences of
engaging in risky sexual behaviors.
Table 9 shows the disadvantages of CSE as assessed by questions, learn, and engage in meaningful conversations
grade 10 students. The table shows that 28 students, or 70% about these topics. By doing so, we can help to promote
of the respondents’ that CSE can promote values that conflict understanding, acceptance, and respect for all individuals,
with certain moral or ethical frameworks, leading to regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
objections on those grounds. Some individuals or groups may
object to certain aspects of CSE due to their personal beliefs While CSE produces advantages and disadvantages for
or cultural values. Therefore, educators and advocates need to students some concerns must be addressed to have a better
understand these objections and address them in a respectful CSE implementation. Creating a supportive and
and empathetic manner, while also ensuring that young nonjudgmental environment and being responsive to students'
people have access to accurate and inclusive information questions and concerns can help alleviate confusion, foster
about sexuality and relationships. understanding, and encourage open conversation and positive
discussion. It's important to acknowledge and respect
Furthermore, 25 students, or 63 % of the respondents students' feelings, parent’s roles, opinions of stakeholders and
assess that discussing topics like contraception might overall development in the curriculum, and facilitators of
encourage early sexual activity among students. This suggests CSE. This will help identify and rectify any potential issues
that by providing information about contraception, students in the delivery of comprehensive sexuality education.
may feel more comfortable engaging in sexual activity
knowing that they have access to protection. IV. CONCLUSION
Lastly, 22 students, or 55% of the respondents assess Based on the Indicated Findings the Following
that students may become confused and feel challenged by Conclusions Were Drawn:
conversations regarding various sexual orientations and
gender identities. This is particularly true for those who are Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is taught
not familiar with the diverse range of identities and extensively to grade 10 students in terms of content, skills,
sexualities that exist. Thus, it is important to create a safe and and attitudes. This suggests that students who receive CSE
inclusive environment where students feel comfortable to ask
are equipped with knowledge, skills, and attitudes related [4]. Osadolor UE, Amoo EO, Azuh DE, Mfonido-Abasi I,
to sexuality and relationships. Washington CP, Ugbenu O. Exposure to Sex
Comprehensive Sexuality Education is influenced by Education and Its Effects on Adolescent Sexual
various factors, including student-related, teacher-related, Behavior in Nigeria. J Environ Public Health. 2022
environment-related, and culture-related factors. Thus, it Jun 1;2022:3962011. doi: 10.1155/2022/3962011.
is important to address these various factors to ensure that PMID: 35692663; PMCID: PMC9177302.
students receive holistic and comprehensive education on [5]. Ramírez-Villalobos, D., Monterubio-Flores, E. A.,
sexuality. Gonzalez-Vazquez, T. T., Molina-Rodríguez, J. F.,
Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) has both Ruelas-González, M. G., & Alcalde-Rabanal, J. E.
advantages and disadvantages. While CSE can improve (2021). Delaying sexual onset: outcome of a
students' knowledge and understanding of sexual health comprehensive sexuality education initiative for
and relationships, it can also give rise to conflicts with adolescents in public schools. BMC public
moral differences, and confusion and might encourage health, 21(1), 1439. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-
early sexual activities. 021-11388-2
A school-based guidance program on sexuality education [6]. UNESCO. 2017. International technical guidance on
awareness is a must. sexuality education, pp.16-17.]
[7]. Upadhyay, U. D., & Hindin, M. J. (2006). Do
V. RECOMMENDATIONS perceptions of friends’ behaviors affect age at first
sex? Evidence from Cebu, Philippines. Journal of
This study reviewed the extent of the teaching of Adolescent Health, 39(4), 570-577.
comprehensive sexuality education: the basis for a guidance
program on sexuality awareness. Thus, the following
recommendations are presented.
REFERENCES