Resorting to pornographic content for sex education

 - Srijani Paul, XII

Sex education is one of the most important tools we can give to young people as they grow and begin to understand the world around them. It’s not just about biology or anatomy—it’s about helping them make sense of their emotions, their identities, their boundaries, and how to have healthy, respectful relationships. When we leave them in the dark by avoiding these conversations, we don’t protect them—we leave them vulnerable. And in that silence, many kids turn to whatever’s most easily available: the internet. For a lot of them, that means learning about sex through pornography. The problem is, porn isn’t designed to teach. It often ignores key aspects of real intimacy like consent, communication, mutual pleasure, emotional connection, and respect. Instead, it can present sex as a performance, something aggressive or one-sided, which can deeply skew a young person’s understanding of what a relationship should look like.

Imagine being 13 or 14, confused, curious, and trying to make sense of feelings you’ve never had before. But instead of getting guidance from a teacher, a parent, or even a safe space to ask questions, you’re left to figure it all out through videos that prioritize shock value over truth. That’s where misinformation and shame creep in. A young person might feel pressured to act a certain way, to look a certain way, or to stay silent even when they’re uncomfortable—because no one ever told them otherwise. This disconnect can follow them into adulthood, affecting their ability to form emotionally healthy relationships or even understand their own boundaries and desires.

Comprehensive sex education helps change that. It offers young people honest, inclusive, age-appropriate knowledge that not only answers their questions but also helps them feel seen, safe, and respected. It opens the door to talk about things like consent, body image, peer pressure, love, identity, and mental health. It teaches them how to set boundaries, how to respect the boundaries of others, and that saying "no" is always okay. More importantly, it shows them that sex isn’t something shameful or taboo—it’s something deeply human, and when approached with understanding and care, it can be healthy, consensual, and meaningful.

When we provide good sex education, we’re not encouraging kids to grow up faster—we’re helping them grow up safer. We’re giving them the tools to protect themselves, to communicate clearly, and to make choices that align with their values and comfort. We’re reducing the chances of sexual violence, unplanned pregnancies, and emotional trauma. And most importantly, we’re showing them that their feelings matter, their voices matter, and they don’t have to navigate these things alone. In a world where the internet will always be a click away, education, empathy, and open conversation are the most powerful things we can offer.