Examining the efficacy and relevance of sexuality education by parents and educators from a sample of adolescents who attend Christian high schools: A qualitative study
List of Authors
  • Olivia Bomester

Keyword
  • Adolescents, Educators, Christian High Schools, Parents, Sexuality Education

Abstract
  • Adolescent sexual development forms a crucial role in the process of identity formation and the establishment of healthy romantic and social relationships. However, some adults are uncomfortable with the notion of adolescent sexuality, and would choose to remain in a state of denial or ignorance. It is pivotal that adults address the topic of adolescent sexuality. Numerous adolescents are not adequately guided by parents and educators. Hence, their lack of basic sexual knowledge or simply having erroneous ideas appertaining to sexuality may cause them to make very unwise sexual decisions. The purpose of this research study was to examine the efficacy and relevance of sexuality education by parents and educators from a sample of adolescents who attend Christian high schools. Eleven high school participants from two Christian high schools in the Western Cape Province took part in a qualitative interview. The researcher followed the six-phased guidelines to doing thematic analysis, as offered by Braun and Clarke (2006). The seven themes which emerged were: (1) Regarding parent/adolescent communication: “We don’t really talk about stuff like that”; (2) Sex “education” from friends and the media; (3) Consequences of sex: Disappointment (4); Regarding oral sex: “It’s quicker. It brings pleasure”; (5) Religion is a powerful driving force; (6) Sexuality education from school/teachers summarised as “Just abstain” and (7) Improving sexuality education at school: “Go into depth.” Based on the 11 interviews, qualitative data findings revealed that sexuality education programmes offered at Christian schools lacked depth and were not relevant. Similarly, adolescents felt as though adequate sexuality education from their parents was generally lacking, warning-based, and irrelevant.

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