Perceptions of Sex Education among Muslim Adolescents in Canada

Abstract

The present study aims to explore the perceptions of Muslim adolescents in Canada regarding sex education offered to them by Canadian schools, their parents, and Islamic centers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine Muslim adolescents from Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. The findings of the study reveal that despite the usefulness of sex education programs provided by Canadian schools, some of the contents of these programs were problematic for Muslim adolescents. The study also found that while Muslim adolescents predominantly preferred to have their parents as sexuality educators, parents rarely talked to them about sexuality. In addition, Islamic centres provide alternative sex education to Muslim adolescents through 'sheikhs', brochures, booklets and Sunday schools. The current study recommends that sex education programs in Canadian schools need to be characterized by cultural sensitivity to the diverse youth that need to obtain this information. Muslim parents can carry out their role as sexuality educators successfully if they better educate themselves on the topic and become more comfortable with discussions of sexuality. Moreover, Islamic centers in Canada should focus more on teaching about life or social values through which Muslim adolescents and their parents may obtain information about sex and sexuality within the Islamic framework.

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