Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - October 28, 2004
Anjira Assavanonda
Praewpilas Ruangthong, a youth representative from Prince of Songkhla University in Pattani, said sex education should give youngsters more than what is written in textbooks.
"We want to learn something close to our lives, such as how to deal with unwanted pregnancy, and about abortion. Many girls are afraid to tell their parents or teachers when they become pregnant, so they talk to their friends and often opt for abortion," said Ms Praewpilas.
"What we are taught is theory, but we want something we can apply to real life. It's no use talking about where the ovary is, or what it does. Why not teach us how to have safe sex?" she said.
Youngsters also wanted to know how to protect themselves when having sex, how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, how to cope with sexual desire, and how masturbation could help.
Girls also want to know what boys are thinking, how to take care of their sexual organs, how to use condoms, what oral sex is like, HIV/Aids, respect for partners' rights, and same-sex lovers.
The youngsters suggested teachers find other teaching materials such as VCDs or models of sexual organs to show how to use condoms and practise safe sex.
Youngsters wanted teachers who were not embarrassed to answer questions about sex.
Teachers should create a friendly atmosphere to encourage young people to talk freely.
"Schools should also invite parents, doctors, NGOs and health officials to speak," she said.
Sophon Thongpat, a teacher from Bang Kapi School, said the demands showed sex education in schools had not responded to student needs.
He believed sex education courses would be more effective if teachers and students tuned in to each other, and made courses responsive and comfortable for both sides.
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