Reflection 1: This is How We Do It—Sex Ed Around the World (Assign. 2/12)

Speaking to a United Nations AIDS conference in 1994, then-US Surgeon General Dr. Jocelyn Elders suggested that masturbation was "part of human sexuality and, perhaps, it should be taught." After a swift public outcry, she was fired by President Clinton. Three decades later, masturbation is only one of many topics that remain taboo in American sex education programs. Today, fights rage over everything from abstinence-only programs to the presence of contraceptives on campuses, and even the mere mentions of abortion and homosexuality are hotly debated. Thus, US sex education varies widely from state to state, even county to county. But what of the rest of the world? What are some of the approaches other countries are taking to teach (or not teach) their citizens about sexual health? What issues are other countries tackling that aren't mentioned in the American national dialogue. Finally, what, if anything, do you believe we should we adopt from other countries? 

Choose at least two of the sources below to cite in your discussion:

• "Norway Leads Rest of the World in Teaching Sex Ed: The Honest Way" (SBSAustralia)
• "Sexuality Education Begins to Take Root in Africa" (NewSecurityBeat)
• "Italy Shies Away From Sex Education" (DW)
  
• "A Brief Glance at Sex Education Around the World" (SexualHealthAlliance)
• "From 'Consent Football' to 'Pin the Organ on the Body': Sex Education Around the World" (Guardian)

Due: Wed 2.23 (via Packback)