Understanding sexuality education from the eyes of early childhood educator

A webinar titled “Understanding the Implementation and Challenges of Sexuality Education from the Eyes of Early Childhood Educators” was conducted on 16 July 2021 via Zoom. Organised by UTAR Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Social and Policy Studies (TCLC), the webinar aimed to impart the importance of sexuality education knowledge to the participants.

Present to deliver the webinar was Department of Early Childhood Studies of Faculty of Creative Industries lecturer Wan Norfadillah binti Wan Nawi. Wan Norfadillah is equipped with 12 years of teaching experience in the field of early childhood education, starting from teaching young children at the preschool level to teaching young adults at the tertiary level. The webinar was moderated by TCLC Chairperson Assoc Prof Dr Chin Yee Mun.

Wan Norfadillah discussing the importance of childhood sexually education

Wan Norfadillah started her webinar by defining sexuality education. She said, “The UNESCO spelt out the aims of sexuality education as teaching and learning about cognitive, emotional, physical and social aspects of sexuality that enable children to learn on having respectful and safe relationships with others.” She emphasised, “It is important to equip children with knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that will empower them to develop a respectful social and sexual relationship.”

“Curiosity about sex is natural among young children. Parents need to provide age-appropriate information about sexuality. It is crucially important for children at an early age. The children without proper guidance will be at risk of getting information through irrelevant resources,” she highlighted.

Wan Norfadillah added, “Numerous evidence showed that sexuality education has helped to delay sexual debut and has effectively prevented sexual risk behaviour among teenagers. When we impart the knowledge of sexuality education to young children, it helps them to understand themselves better. It reduces misinformation and increases young people's skills to make informed decisions about their health. A study conducted by Abdullahmeed in 2013 showed children who receive less sexuality education may have higher opportunities to be sexually abused.”

Wan Norfadillah showing the number of sexual abuse cases reported in Malaysia

Wan Norfadillah showing the number of sexual abuse victims below age 18 and adults

Wan Norfadillah then shared the teachers’ understanding of sexuality education for pre-school children and the challenges faced by pre-school teachers in delivering sexuality education. She said, “Pre-school teachers generally have positive views about sexuality education. However, the fears of having adverse parental response influenced their willingness to implement sexuality education.”

“Past studies have recorded conflicting parental opinions, including disallowing young children to receive sexuality education due to the perception that earlier exposure could potentially promote sexual experimentation among children. Older parents were perceived to be conservative and likely question the needs of sexuality education,” she emphasised.

Wan Norfadillah concluded, “Preschool teachers have positive views. However, they are only equipped with basic knowledge, there will be a possible risk of misinterpretation. So they need to keep themselves updated with current knowledge. It is also important to have the cooperation from parents and administrators.” She ended the webinar with a quote, “Protect all children even if they are not yours.”

The webinar saw an active interaction between the speaker and participants. The talk ended with an extensive yet insightful Q&A session.