Fifty Shades of Education: A Qualitative Study on the Perspective of Catholic Senior High School Students from Selected Catholic Schools in Quezon City on the Implementation of Sex Education in the K-12 Curriculum

Abstract

Sex Education does not only focus on sex, but also, it will tackle topics such as responsible parenthood, reproductive system, and the like. In line with the Republic Act 10354 or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law of 2012, it is stated that the State should provide reproductive health education. The United Nations (UN) and World Health Organization (WHO) have mentioned that the best time to teach it is at age 10. However, teachers find it challenging to teach sexuality education since we are in a religious country, and sex is somewhat taboo. For this study, a qualitative approach is used since it explains the perspective of Catholic Senior High School students regarding Sex Education. This study focused on discovering the perceptions of Catholic Senior High School students in selected Catholic Schools about the implementation of Sex Education in the K-12 Curriculum The study involved a total of twelve (12) SeniorHigh School students coming from the selected Catholic Schools. For verification, an interview was also done with one (1) authority coming from the Center for Ignacian Formation and Community Ministries (CIFCoM) in St. Mary’s College of Quezon City. Based on the data gathered, Sex Education is a subject that teaches about the relationship of an individual with others and not only about the sexual act. Most of the informants are not that well informed about the directives from the government regarding Sex Education. However, most of the informants were aware of the RH Law but not the specific details of the implementation of Sex Education. Informants stated that Sex Education should be implemented not only in public schools but also in private school. They believe that the implementation of Sex Education would be an advantage for the students because it would make students aware of sex-related topics. Having Sex Education in the Philippines would help people gain knowledge about sensitive sex-related issues. Most of the informants are in favor of the implementation of Sex Education in the K-12 Curriculum. However, one of the informants stated that being a Catholic contradicts with his perspective regarding sex education. The informants from selected Catholic schools believe that Sex Education should be implemented regardless of their religion. They stated that the implementation of Sex Education would lessen the sex-related issues arising nowadays in our society. Teaching Sex Education should start at home before it is formally introduced at school, and the teachers should be credible enough to teach Sex Education. Sex Education is beneficial to be included in the Philippine Education System as long as there is proper guidance coming from the parents, teachers, and the other members of the administration.