IMPORTANT EXPERIMENT

Evening Star, Issue 25742, 15 March 1946, Page 7

IMPORTANT EXPERIMENT

SEX INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO PROBLEM Described as an experiment that might be tried for a few years and then reviewed to discover what results had been obtained, a method of introducing sex instruction into schools by the preparation of a suitable publication for the parents of children in Standards 111. to VI. was supported by delegates to the, conference of the Dominion Federation of School Committees Association during consideration of a remit on Wednesday night. It was decided, after discussion, to ask the Education Department to prepare a publication. The decision was the outcome of the following resolution from the NelsonWaimea Association:— "In pursuance of the statement_ of policy of the Minister of Education (Mr Mason) in regard to this subject —that, the teaching of sex education is rather a subject for parental attention than that of combined school discussion from the teaching staff—that the federation bring _to the Minister's notice the following proposal.: That the Education Department should prepare' a suitable standard publication on this important subject, and supply it free of charge to all parents of scholars of Standards 111, TV., V., and VI. In supporting this remit, this association suggests that such a publication would be invaluable to many parents, first as a reminder of the duty and privilege of all parents in this matter, and, secondly, to enable the subject to be presented sanely, scientifically, and in a wholesome manner."

The adoption of the remit was moved by Mr S. Russell (Nelson), who emphasised that both the Nelson and Waimea Associations did not believe that they were offering a solution to an important problem. However, it was felt, he said, that such a publication might reach children who otherwise would receive no instruction whatever. Mr S. H. Clothier (Canterbury), who also supported the remit, .said that his association was of the opinion that sex education came within the jurisdiction of the Health Department, which had medical men and nurses qualified to impart the instruction in the proper way. In his opinion sex instruction was inseparable from moral and religious instruction, said Mr J. D. Gray (Christchurch), who suggested that the Education Department should collaborate with the Health Department and the National Council of Churches in preparing a suitable booklet. The proposal of the Nelson Association, explained Mr Russell, was that the book be sent in bulk to headmasters, who would forward it to parents with an explanatory note that it was for their guidance in instructing their children.