ATTITUDE OF PARENTS TOWARDS THE STUDY OF SEX EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

ATTITUDE OF PARENTS TOWARDS THE STUDY OF SEX EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

ABSTRACT

Early sex education among our youths is very vital. This study was conducted to examine the attitude of parents towards the study of sex education in secondary schools in an enlightened community like the University of Benin, Benin City. Data was obtained through the use of questionnaire. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed to parents in five (5) different faculties. This study utilizes the survey design employing simple random sampling technique in gathering data on the study. Statistical Product and Service Solution, SPSS 16.0 was used for the data analysis. Results were written using simple percentages and frequency tables. The respondents included 95 males and 105 females. The responses from the questionnaire shows that 92% of our parents in these faculties have a positive attitude towards the study of sex education in secondary schools, 58.5% of the respondents cultural beliefs influence their attitudes towards the study of sex education in schools and the teachers qualification in health education also has an influence on their attitude towards the study of sex education in secondary schools. This research shows that parents want their children to be informed about sex and their sexual health by educators who have the skill and qualification to do so; however they want to be informed about the programs to be delivered in their child’s school.

  LIST OF TABLES

TABLES 1.     Demographic data table………………………………………….. 2.     Responses on the attitude of parents……………………………… 3.     Responses on the influence of cultural beliefs…………………… 4.     Responses on the influence of teachers’ qualification……………..                 TABLE OF CONTENTS Title page………………………………………………………….i Certification……………………………………………………….ii Dedication…………………………………………………………iii Acknowledgement…………………………………………………iv Abstract…………………………………………………………….vi List of tables……………………………………………………….vii Table of contents..…………………………………………………viii CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTIONBackground to the Study…………………………………………1 Statement of Problem…………………………………………….5 Research Questions………………………………………………6 Purpose of Study………………………………………………….7 Significance of Study………………………………………………7 Delimitation of Study…………………………………………….8 Limitation of Study…………………………..…………………..8 Definition of Terms………………………………………………9 CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF LITERATURE Sex Education; its meaning, objectives and content……………11 The Need for the Study of Sex Education in Secondary Schools…22 Reasons for Accepting the Study of Sex Education in Secondary Schools……………………………………………………………27 Factors Affecting the Study of Sex Education………………….29 Attitudes of Parents towards its Study…………………………33 Summary of Review of Literature………………………………35 CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGYResearch Design…………………………………………………..38 Population…………………………………………………………39 Sample and Sampling Technique…………………………………39 Instrumentation……………………………………………………40 Validity and Reliability…………………………………………..40-41 Data Administration and Collection…………………………….41 CHAPTER FOUR: ANALYSIS OF DATA AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS Demographic data……………………………………………….42 Research Question 1…………………………………………….49 Research Question 2……………………………………………54 Research Question 3……………………………………………58 Discussion of Findings…………………………………………63 CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONSSummary…………………………………………………….…68 Conclusion…………………………………………………….70 Recommendation………………………………………………70 Suggestions for further study………………………………….71 REFERENCES………………………………………………..73 APPENDIX…………………………………………………….78

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION Background to the Study There comes a time in a child’s life when he/she runs excitedly to the mother, exclaiming about the changes taking place in his body. These changes includes, the breast enlargement, appearance of pubic and armpit hairs, but to his surprise, the mother shuts him down. This can send a wrong signal to the child. This response goes a long way in shaping the child’s sexual life. The child who is in need of answers to the questions his body keeps asking cannot share his thoughts as he avoids been rejected or laughed at by his peer groups. The child then grows up with a burden on him. He gets to the school and even when such topics are mentioned, he does not want to be a part of it. For children to grow into healthy adults, they need information about their sexual health. The process or ways in which the knowledge is been transmitted to the child matters a lot.

ATTITUDE OF PARENTS TOWARDS THE STUDY OF SEX EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS