Earlier today, our topic in Health was about Fertilization. In one of my classes, I asked my students when is the (ideal) time to start having sex. I was appalled by the answers that I got.

Some of them were:

• [when you’re] 18!
• 19!
• “Pag may trabaho na!”
• After menstruation!

These students are first year high school students. Around 12-13 years old. Although, one student was actually able to respond with the answer that I am looking for (i.e. after marriage), I cannot help but be sad over the kind of concept these kids have over sex.

I know for a fact that most of the people DO NOT wait for marriage before having sex but wouldn’t it be nice if the youth, at least, has a clear concept on when is the right time to start doing it? Also, I know that people have different opinion on this matter because of our differences in culture or in religion but I also know that deep inside, all of us are aware that sex should be done only when you’re married.

To us, future parents: the only way we can solve this naivety over sex is to talk about it to our future offspring. It is better that they learn it from us, than to their friends who is as equally clueless.

I rest my case.