Arguably, in the 21st century many societal changes in attitudes towards sex are in the increase. The attitude change has tremendous effects in family lifestyle. In the past, parents were the main agents of socialization; in the contemporary society, education on sex has been taken over by media and peer pressure. Therefore, the change in attitude has both negative and positive impacts on premarital sex as well as sex education. Giving children the best education on adult life, particularly on educating them to understand the meaning of sexuality is the most difficult encounter among parents.
In the past, the family did not provide sex education, but the cultural values served to protect and maintain morals. In developing and developed countries, traditional models have tremendously declined; hence, children in the family are deprived positive and consistent guidance. Parents are always unprepared to provide information on sex issues, leaving them to media. Undeniably, change in sex attitudes has made the family be a spectator in advising children on sexuality (Burnette & McAnulty, 2006).
Conversably, children in this generation have received more sex education from other sources rather than family. Positively, the information on sex education is all over the media; hence, children get to know on the dangers of sex and the consequences that accompany it. Sex education has become part of curriculum in institutions (Burnette & McAnulty, 2006). Studies show that the societal change in attitudes has continued to reduce the age in which the youth engage in premarital sex. In schools, children are taught on the dangers of unprotected sex. In fact, the entire responsibility of sex education has been left to the teachers. Parents are always busy and rarely spend quality time with their children. Moreover, children receive more information in school making them neglect on their parents advice.
Conclusively, the attitudes on sex have become permissive. In that, everyone, in society view premarital sex normal behavior. These attitudes as affected parents and family setup, in that parents cannot advice their children on sex issues, and dangers of premarital sex. School has been given the task to impart knowledge on sexuality and sex issues (Kerby, 2000). Social networking has become the main socializing agent on sex issues, making it go out of hand. Sexuality education in many schools leads to delay in first sex, or mobilize the active students into using contraceptives. Therefore, sexuality education should begin earlier in the school.
References
Burnette, M & McAnulty, R. (2006). Sex and Sexuality. New York: Springer.
Kerby, A. (2000). Marriage, Family, and sexuality. London: Wiley.
