СВІТОВИЙ ДОСВІД СЕКСУАЛЬНОГО ВИХОВАННЯ ШКОЛЯРІВ

Abstract

The article analyzes the peculiarities of development, main problems, and penetration of global trends in sexuality education in Ukraine. Despite the widely recognized importance of sexual health, sexual health education remains a sensitive and sometimes controversial issue. At the heart of the social conflicts surrounding sex education programs are disagreements over the role of government in family life and sex education; parental control over the content of sex education; the core values that should be included in sex education, such as gender equality and personal responsibility; and, essentially, what constitutes acceptable sexual behavior for adolescents. Liberal and conservative views on how to properly conduct sex education remain very different. Central to the disagreement over sex education are questions about the basic prerequisites and content of sex education, and who is best able to provide it, i.e. whether parents or schools should be the primary teachers of sex education. Many young people approach adulthood with conflicting and confusing messages about sexuality and gender. This is often exacerbated by embarrassment, silence and disapproval of open discussion of sexuality by adults, including parents and teachers, at a time when it is most needed. There are many contexts around the world where young people are becoming sexually mature and active at an earlier age. They also marry later, thus lengthening the period from puberty to marriage. The process of sexuality education continues throughout life, but it is most important in childhood and adolescence. It should be relevant for different age groups at different social levels, as sexuality is a key issue in the lives of all people. Key words: sexual education, sexual behavior, sexuality, sex, human sexual development, sexual health