CHENNAI: For the first time in nearly two decades, students in Chennai’s schools and colleges will be required to attend lessons on sex. The new mandate is part of Chennai Corporation’s strategy to create awareness among teenagers and prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually-transmitted infections.

At a function to commemorate World AIDS Day , mayor Saidai Duraisamy announced that a dedicated team of 42-counsellors will visit city schools and colleges to talk to students about human anatomy and functions of the reproductive system.

Girls especially will be counselled by trained staff from Chennai AIDS Control and Prevention Society (CAPACS) on how to handle sexual advances and protect themselves from unsafe sex. According to CAPACS surveys, teenagers are far more likely to have unplanned pregnancies and contract sexually-transmitted diseases.

“The sex education programme is for both boys and girls. We will advice them to delay having sex. Girls who are unable to handle aggressive men are the worst affected. We plan to address this,” said chief health officer Dr P Kuganantham.

Counsellors have to hold awareness camps and workshops in at least 12 schools and colleges every month. Students will be engaged in panel discussions, debates, quiz, painting and essay competitions. The classes would include a mix of lectures, perhaps using scientific data to show how homones bring in physical and behavioural changes.

Officials from the civic body admit that this could kick off a debate on whether students should be taught about sex in schools. Many teachers have said they would be unable to handle lessons on sex and sexuality. But Corporation officials say their counselors have been trained enough to handle young boys and girls. In schools that do not offer sex education — the number is unclear because the civic body has not kept a tally — counselors will also train teachers and provide educational kits to parents to handle queries from students.

