A new documentary airing this week in the UK shows a completely new take that may be the future of sex education. "Sex in Class" showcases the two weeks that Goedele Liekens, a United Nation goodwill ambassador for sexual health, spent at Hollins Technology College teaching a sexual education program. And it's nothing like what most of us experienced in the condom and banana days of yore. The school head, Steve Campbell, said that "course was essential to correct attitudes which had been skewed by watching too much pornography", according to The Telegraph.
While some of the curriculum seems extreme, including discussing pornography and making genitalia inspired art, Campbell says: "I suppose it was quite a big step to invite her but in the last year we have dealt with teen pregnancies and inappropriate texts, and without the shadow of a doubt, the biggest single influence on children is pornography... Re the content, we're now talking about aspects surrounding pornography, masturbation and sexual pleasure. I believe that the route we are going down is appropriate and is what is needed in the school."
It's refreshing to see such a frank and sex-positive take on education. With growing concerns of the effects of hardcore pornography on younger and younger viewers, there are surprisingly few programs aimed at tackling this head on. And, obviously, students and parents were made aware of the curriculum beforehand and gave full consent. Here's what I've learned about the program so far:
There's Frank Discussion About Pornography Viewing
As mentioned above, pornography viewing habits was one of the biggest catalysts for the course. According to The Telegraph one pupil spoke about first watching porn at 10 years old and how he now views it two or three times a day.
Shaving and Self-Exploration With A Hand Mirror Are On The Agenda
The classic puberty suggestion of exploring their vaginas with a hand mirror was on the curriculum for girls. The boys had some less traditional assignments, like shaving their pubic hair and making art based off of female genitalia.
There's An Attempt At Scripting A Pornography
Perhaps not surprising with the emphasis on the troubles of pornography exposure. The Telegraph says that part of the assignment includes scripting pornography as a group, which will probably prove once and for all the anyone can write a better storyline than pornography script-writers.
Liekens Has Been Outspoken About The Need To Sexually Educate At A Young Age
Liekens has said that the British are too "wishy washy in their attitudes toward educating children" and told Radio Times that "parents should broach the subject of sex as soon as their children can talk... You don't have to comb over the details just demonstrate that you're happy to be open."
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