Because sexual attitudes and behaviors are fundamental to adolescent growth, it is important to encourage healthy sexual development in students. Students must first be comfortable with their maturing bodies. They should also realize that it is normal for feelings of arousal to arise during the adolescent years. In addition, each student must know that becoming sexually involved is a personal decision and that if they do decide to do so, then they need to practice safe sex. Studies have found that while few adolescents are in favor of casual sex, most adolescents agree that sex before marriage is alright. There can also be psychological problems associated with an early beginning to sexual activity (Jayakody & others, 2011; Yi & others, 2010). Substance abuse can be an influencing factor to early sexual behaviors (Madkour & others, 2010). Despite this, when sexual activity begins at a healthy age, after sixteen, it is linked with healthy psychological development. Males and females are influenced by different aspects in regards to sexual activity. While males focus on biological influences for when to become sexually active, females focus on social influences. There are also many cultural, religious, and socio-economic differences linked to when and if adolescents will become sexually involved (1.4).
It will be important to be on the lookout for students who seem to be struggling with their sexual development and always be open to answering questions from male students about the topic; however, there are no major classroom management changes that I will need to make to help students have healthy sexual development.
No comments:
Post a Comment