Indian Schools to introduce sex education next year
MIL/Agencies, Oct 13, 2006.
http://internationalreporter.com/news/read.php?id=2418

New Delhi, October 13, 2006 - Indian schools have become very serious
in introducing sex education for the young students. They have
decided to teach nursery children about sexual health and drugs from
next year to boost awareness of the dangers they face in the changing
society.

India's national examination board is set to introduce a new
programme teaching pupils at kindergartens and schools about drug and
sexual abuse, HIV/AIDS, hygiene and nutrition. The step has been
taken to enhance a positive sexual health and responsible behavior in
children.

Topics related to sexual changes at puberty, substance abuse, myths
concerning the reproductive growth of a child and sexually
transmitted diseases will be part of the curriculum.

A conservative attitude to sex, contraception and a lack of awareness
is common, especially in rural India. Experts say this has not only
left adolescents vulnerable to abuse but has also exacerbated the
spread of HIV/AIDS in the country, which now has the highest number
of cases in the world.

According to the United Nations, 5.7 million Indians are living with
the virus. But activists say the true figure may be far higher as
social stigma forces many of those infected with the virus to keep
their status a secret.