What do parents here think about MOE sexuality programme?

[Sim TT]

MOE recently revamped its sexuality program.


\"One is that sexuality education aims to help students “practise abstinence before marriage, as it is the best protection against sexually-transmitted infections (STIs)… and unwanted pregnancies” as casual sex “can harm and hurt them (students) and their loved ones”.

Two is that, as a guiding principle, “specially-selected” teachers are trained to teach sexuality education, and these teachers are chosen because they “possess values that are aligned with MOE values in sexuality education”.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/moe%E2%80%99s-abstinence-message-sparks-debate.html

Some of this more liberal type are saying that there is danger in encouraging abstinence because children will end up feeling that sex and sexuality is something shameful and dangerous. They also say abstinence is no longer practical in Singapore.
http://asiancorrespondent.com/85339/sexuality-education-in-singapore-whose-values-are-we-teaching/

http://theonlinecitizen.com/2012/07/no-sex-before-marriage-says-moe/

http://asiancorrespondent.com/85339/sexuality-education-in-singapore-whose-values-are-we-teaching/

What is your say? Do you think abstinence should be the mainstay as long as heterosexual relations as the norm?

I think abstinence is relevant and should not discriminate against gays and lesbians.

Thanks.

[Sim TT]

Need to add that sexuality program starts for children as young as 11 years old until they are 18. If you not happy you can also pull your kid out of it.

[AC_Power]

Encourage abstinence below age 16 will do. Consensual sex between young couples is firstly against the law and secondly, they are still too young to become parents if "accidents" do happen.


When they are into serious relationship beyond that age, let them decide what they want for themselves. We tell them the pros and cons, they weigh it up.

[3Boys]

Sim TT:

MOE recently revamped its sexuality program.


\"One is that sexuality education aims to help students “practise abstinence before marriage, as it is the best protection against sexually-transmitted infections (STIs)… and unwanted pregnancies” as casual sex “can harm and hurt them (students) and their loved ones”.

Two is that, as a guiding principle, “specially-selected” teachers are trained to teach sexuality education, and these teachers are chosen because they “possess values that are aligned with MOE values in sexuality education”.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/moe%E2%80%99s-abstinence-message-sparks-debate.html

Some of this more liberal type are saying that there is danger in encouraging abstinence because children will end up feeling that sex and sexuality is something shameful and dangerous. They also say abstinence is no longer practical in Singapore.
http://asiancorrespondent.com/85339/sexuality-education-in-singapore-whose-values-are-we-teaching/

http://theonlinecitizen.com/2012/07/no-sex-before-marriage-says-moe/

http://asiancorrespondent.com/85339/sexuality-education-in-singapore-whose-values-are-we-teaching/

What is your say? Do you think abstinence should be the mainstay as long as heterosexual relations as the norm?

I think abstinence is relevant and should not discriminate against gays and lesbians.

Thanks.

Well, I don't care much for what TOC says under normal circumstances anyway, so........

Values are tricky. If they want to touch on sexuality education at all in MOE (and actually, I don't think its their responsibility), then they better default to the most conservative position. Ultimately, how children feel about this issue will be shaped by their parents, who may or may not fail to deliver the message.

TOC is just being grossly unfair, it's not as if MOE enjoy taking on such a difficult topic, but neither can they turn a blind eye to some of the poor kids whose parents may skirt the issue altogether.

[Funz]

Why would abstinence be impractical?


As a parent dealing with a child who is on the verge of pubity, I preach abstinence. I cannot imagine telling my 9yr old kid or even 14/15yr old kid that if they feel the need to have sex just make sure proper precautions are taken.

And just because we say practise abstinence does not have to mean sex is unnatural or something scary. On the contrary, it is something very intimate and natural. And it can be ever more so meaningful when we wait to experience it with the person whom we are sure we want to share our live with.

If MOE’s sexuality programme teaches otherwise, I will opt out of it.

[3Boys]

Funz:

Why would abstinence be impractical?


As a parent dealing with a child who is on the verge of pubity, I preach abstinence. I cannot imagine telling my 9yr old kid or even 14/15yr old kid that if they feel the need to have sex just make sure proper precautions are taken.

And just because we say practise abstinence does not have to mean sex is unnatural or something scary. On the contrary, it is something very intimate and natural. And it can be ever more so meaningful when we wait to experience it with the person whom we are sure we want to share our live with.

If MOE's sexuality programme teaches otherwise, I will opt out of it.

Completely agree with you. I don't think the blogger who orginally put up that post has got any school-going kids, and is just mouthing off. I personally don't put any weight on that opinion.