The Influence of Sexuality Education on Inappropriate Sexual Behaviours among Secondary School Students

Abstract

The study investigated the influence of parents, teachers and government attitudes towards sexuality education on inappropriate sexual behaviours of secondary school students. One hundred and twenty-five senior secondary school students were used for the study. Related literatures that discussed issues of Sexuality education, sexual behaviours among students were used as theoretical basis for the study. Three research questions and hypotheses were developed for the study. A research instrument titled "Sexuality Education for Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour. (SEISB) was used to collect data for the study. The instrument had 14 items which was validated with a reliability coefficient of 0.82 which shows that it was reliable for the study. Linear correlation and regression analysis was used as a statistical tool to test for relationship between the independent and dependent variables. From the findings, it was discovered that there is no significant relationship between parents' and teachers' attitude and government activities towards inappropriate sexual behaviour among secondary school students. Recommendations were also made. This study will be significant to counsellors and the general public in sensitizing parents on issues regarding sexuality education so as to guide in order to curb inappropriate sexual behaviours among secondary school students.

Knowledge and attitude of sex education among secondary school students in south-western Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

“…Sexuality is a natural part of life and it is defined as the very essence of one’s humanity which includes one’s self–image, gender, physical looks and ability to reproduce [ 1 ]. Human sexuality is concerned with the way people experience and express themselves as sexual beings.…”

“…Human sexuality is concerned with the way people experience and express themselves as sexual beings. On the other hand, sex education involves the process of acquiring knowledge and making up beliefs, values, and attitudes about intimacy, relationships, and identity [ 1 ]. Due to the influence of religion, cultural background and norms of many African societies especially parents most times find it difficult to teach their adolescents about sex, with the mind that such matter should not be discussed at home and that the child does not need such information until he or she is ready for marriage [ 2 , 3 ].…”

“…Indeed, sex education does not mean instructing adolescents in sexual techniques or acts, rather it entails giving the necessary facts, information or knowledge about sex and encouraging questions and discussions [ 2 ]. According to Obiunu [ 1 ], sex education helps in preparing adolescents to have responsible attitudes and behaviour towards sex for a harmonious sexual life. Its goal is to help students make wise, important, responsible and informed decisions by providing them with accurate, current and appropriate knowledge, with regard to their age, on human sexuality and the consequences of sexual activities.…”

Inappropriate Sexual Behaviours as Perceived by Students in the Institute of Education, Delta State University, Abraka: Implication for Counselling

“…Furthermore, Mohammed (2012) identified five types of sexual behaviours found among secondary school students and these include kissing, breast and genital fondling, embracing, holding of arms and sexual intercourse. Obiunu (2014) equally observed that the incidence of inappropriate sexual behaviours is on the increase among secondary school adolescent students in Delta State and that these negative behaviour manifest in different ways which usually involve a strong desire to experiment on sexual activities. Much of this sexual behaviour appear to be in aberration to values cherished by the Nigerian society.…”

“…Newspapers today repeatedly give reports of unusual sexual behaviour such as rape, lesbianism, incest, homosexuality and teenage pregnancies. Other examples according to Aji and Aji, Ifeadike, Emelumadu, Ubajaka, Nwabueze and Azuike (2013), Obiunu (2014), Agbede, Kio and Ajetunmobi (2016) include unsafe or unprotected sex, multiple sex partners, masturbation, sexual harassment and sexual bullying. These negative behaviours no doubt are at variance with most African cultures.…”