Sex education move for primary schools

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 58, 23 July 1974, Page 1

Sex education move for

primary schools

A panel discussion designed to get Taupo teachers thinking about the possibility of sex education in primary schools was held last week. The discussion covered the controversial booklet on human jdevelopment and personal relationships in the school curriculum. The booklet has been compiled by a number of people involved in education and health. The panel included the pastor of the Full Gospel Church, Mr B. Buckley; " the chairman of the Hilltop P.T.A., Mr J. W. Bull; the probation officer, Mr T. Brown; and a representative of the P.P.T.A., Mr N. A. Pointon. Dr E. Davidge, Health Department, Rotorua, outlined the booklet bfiefly in her introduction. "The reason it was produced was that the Minister of Education, and the Health Department considered the climate was right for discussion of the topic," said Mr B. Anderson, chairman of the Taupo branch of the N.Z.E.I.

The panel was divided on the issue of the teaching of sex education in schools. Both Mr Buckley and Mr Bull expressed concern that the ideals involved in human development and relationships had not been mentioned in the booklet. They were also concerned that sex instruction in schools may make parents . feel that their duties were being taken away from them. Mr Brown and Mr

Pointon emphasised the necessity for such instruction in schools from their own experience with children. Both said there was a need for sex education in schools because parents often neglected the issue with their children. "No conclusions were reached and no resolutions were brought down," said Mr Anderson after the discussion. "It achieved its main aim — to get primary

school teachers thinking about the issue." The meeting was called for NiZ.E.I. members but representatives of the P.P.T.A. and members of church groups were present. "The N.Z.E.I. in Wellington is now going to try and gauge the feelings of teachers towards the booklet," said Mr Anderson. • Mr Bull and Mr Brown will present their views in the Times on Thursday.