SEXUALITY AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EDUCATION TO PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN: PERCEIVED BARRIERS BY MALAYSIAN PARENTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61841/b1zaja91Keywords:
sex education,, reproductive health, psychosocial barrier,, elementary school,, parentsAbstract
Education on sexuality and reproductive health is an important topic that should be exposed to children at anearly age as a prevention from exploitive or risky sexual activity that may lead to health and social problems. In doing so, parents are considered as the most ideal agents of socialization to introduce children to this topic. However, parents in Malaysia especially find it difficult to communicate sexuality and reproductive issues that are considered taboo in society. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the experience of parents in communicating this topic to elementary school-age children (6 to 12 years). This study was conducted using qualitative research approach. Specifically, phenomenology approach was selected as a means of obtaining information and analyzing data. Eight (8) participants with children age ranged from 6 to 12-year-old were involved in this study. The results show there are barriers for parents to be effective informational agents on sexuality and reproductive health topic. Internal and external factors are identified as parents' main obstacles in communicating such information to children. Strategies and suggestions for helping parents to play a more effective role in addressing sexuality and reproductive topics to children are also discussed at the end of this article.
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