Guideline launched for reproductive health awareness in students

 

The Reproductive and Social Health Education (Peers) guideline can raise awareness of reproductive health, particularly among parents and students, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.

The guideline includes topics such as puberty, menstruation, human anatomy, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases, she said.

She added that Peers outlines practices for reproductive and social health care, gender identity, decision-making skills, effective communication, and the prevention of sexual violence.

The initiative, established to tackle teen pregnancy, targets four age groups: children aged four to six (Group 1), seven to nine (Group 2), 10 to 12 (Group 3) and those aged 13 to 19 (Group 4).

Fadhlina (above) said Peers was developed comprehensively via input from experts in various fields, including medicine, psychiatry, psychology, social work, sociology, law, education, family health, child welfare, and religion.

The guideline will be enhanced over time, she said, adding that the pillars of the guideline include: “Human development, relationships, self-management skills, marriage and family, sexual health and behaviour, as well as society, culture, and law.”

“This is a living document and dynamic. So, whenever there are weaknesses, improvements will be made. Our consultants will provide added value if any issues arise during the implementation.

“It can also be updated according to current trends and needs,” she told reporters after launching the Peers guideline at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaaan St Mary in Kuala Lumpur today.

Fadhlina hopes the guideline will be disseminated in the community, particularly among parents and school students, before they become part of the school curriculum in 2027 for all levels.

On Nov 10, Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri expressed concerns over rising cases of teen pregnancies, underage marriage, baby abandonment, and unsafe abortion in the country.

Citing data from the Health Ministry, Nancy said 44,263 cases of teen pregnancies were recorded over the past five years, with 17,646 involving unmarried teenagers.

Vaping ban

Meanwhile, when asked about the ban on vaping among school students, Fadhlina said parents also need to monitor their children’s activities outside of school hours.

“We still need the support and assistance of parents to monitor their children, particularly their purchasing activities and what they do outside of school, as we may not have information on how they are obtaining the (vape) supply.

“However, at the school level, guidelines are in place, and strict disciplinary actions will be taken if students are found guilty of violating the school rules,” she added.

- Bernama