Special Report On Sex Instruction In Schools

Northern Advocate, 17 March 1944, Page 2

Special Report On Sex Instruction In Schools

(Spec.) AUCKLAND, This Day. . 'Sex instruction in schools, which was recently discussed in the report of the Government committee on the post-pri-mary •curriculum, is the subject of a 'Special report by a sub-committee of th< Auckland Inter-church Council. The sub-committee, whose conclusions have been approved by the council con • sisted of the Rev. D. S. Millar. (Anglican! Dr. Elizabeth Cole (Presbyterian), the. Rev. Dr. L. T. Buxton (Roman Catholic/ and the Rev. E. W. Names (Methodist 1. The committee dissents from the (/pinion that instruction in the phsiology ol sex is in itself a solution of the problem It holds that the only adequate form of sex instruction is that which aims at strengthening modesty and self-control jn the light of tlie Christian ideal of charity Primary responsibility, the committee states, rests upon parents, who should call in competent assistance if they feel unequal to the task. However, the proposal That the schools should step into the bleach involves dangers which should be indicated. In the first place, it is highly undesirable that sett instruction should be given Indiscriminately to children in class without regard to individual differences in physical and emotional development. Secondly, not all school teachers are, or feel themselves to he, fitted to give such instruction. The best contribution the schools can make is training in general selt-eontro! and self-discipline. There may be valuable opportunities for co-operation between teacher and parent in regard to a child's fcx difficulties, especially through parent - teacher associations, in which, it is suggested. ministers of religion should take an active interest. In a reference to the present moral situation, the committee remarks that a morally sound community should have wise conventions governing relations between sexes. Admittedly the Victorian conventions have broken down and become meaningless through immense changes in the status of women. The need is to devise new convention to meet the old dangers in a changed world. In tills, the schools have a pari to piny by giving wise guidance in social behaviour, especially 1o girls. Tire Churches and parent-teacher associations can do much for the education and .enlightenment of parents. Finally, efforts to help the young require to 1/e backed by a public opinion determined to clear the social atmosphere of the all-too-prevaien! note of sex suggestion.