Have you heard of the Chinese sex education textbook for primary school students, which has been making news? The book, published by Beijing Normal University, came under the spotlight recently, when a Chinese mum from Hangzhou complained about it on microblogging website Weibo. Since then, it has sparked much debate on social media, and some parents just can't get over their shock and disbelief on how bold and explicit it is!
Here are 6 reasons why this Chinese SEX education textbook for primary school students will either shock you, or leave you impressed:
1. Calling a penis a penis
That's right, move over birds and bees. This liberal book believes in calling a spade a spade, and a penis, a penis. Some parents are complaining though that it's a bit too much for Primary 1 pupils?
2. Sex for dummies
And that is how mummy and daddy have sex, with helpful illustrations on how the penis enters the vagina. All for the benefit of Primary 2 pupils.
3. Same-sex relationships and sexual fantasies
The book is also surprisingly gay-friendly. The illustration on the left apparently shows 2 students asking their teacher about their female neighbours living together as a couple.
The teacher replies that, “The majority of people are attracted to the opposite sex, but there are also some people who feel attracted to the same sex. This is a completely normal phenomenon. We can’t discriminate against them.”
Also check out the illustration on the right where a boy fantasises about another boy.
This page (above) apparently warns children against hurting themselves during masturbation!
4. How to use a condom
Even how to use a condom is explained, we are not sure which age group this is taught to, however.
5. Child abuse
In a move to educate children about child sexual abuse, there are also illustrations on how children can protect themselves. What is unique is that here, the emphasis is not only on the more commonly reported abuse of girls by men, but also of boys, by men and women. A much-needed education, this!
6. Gender equality
It is impressive that the issue of gender equality is also touched upon. It is okay for boys to dream of becoming nurses, and for girls to become soldiers. Men and women are born equal, and have equal rights. Yay to that!
Surprisingly, this book has been used in some schools for close to a decade, but has made news now, thanks to the worried mummy's online rant.
Beijing Normal University, publishers of this book, have been quoted as saying, "The textbooks are rigorously designed, tested, revised and checked. We have consulted with parents, students and teachers throughout the process. The need for sex education as well as child sexual development is hugely neglected (in China), as there is a lack of sex education in both family and school."
What do you feel parents? Is this book a step in the right direction or is it more like 'cartoon porn', and giving children wrong ideas instead? Let us know in the poll below!
ALSO READ: Talking to your kids about sex
(Source: CNN, WhatsonWeibo)
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