Parent must ensure their children receive sex education – Irene Sam

The Deputy Public Relations Officer of the National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NCPTA), Irene Sam, has emphasized the crucial role of parents in providing sex education to their children at home.

Speaking on the Angel Morning Show (AMS) hosted by Saddick Adams on February 7, 2025, she highlighted concerns about student discipline and clarified misconceptions regarding the Ghana Education Service’s (GES) policies. According to her, the GES has not prohibited disciplining students but has only banned corporal punishment, particularly caning.

“When people say GES has refused to allow discipline in schools, that is not true. What we have done is prohibit caning, but there are other disciplinary measures such as dismissal” she said.

Sam noted that the GES has a structured code of conduct with sanctions for various offenses. For instance, students involved in gang activities face dismissal, while those found in possession of weapons have them confiscated and handed over to the police.

She stressed that relying solely on caning is ineffective in preventing negative behaviors like gang involvement, which often stem from societal or spiritual influences. Instead, she advocated for guidance and counseling as better approaches to instilling discipline.

“At a certain stage in a child’s life, relying solely on the cane is not effective. Instead, we need to engage with them, educate them, and counsel them” she advised, adding that physical punishment should not be the default disciplinary method.

On the topic of sex education, Sam urged parents to educate their children on important matters such as menstruation, early pregnancies, and responsible sexual behavior. She expressed concern that many parents neglect these conversations, leaving their children, particularly girls, uninformed and vulnerable.

“If children are well-educated about sex, they will not engage in things like ‘hookups’ because they will understand the consequences and know right from wrong” she noted.

She called on parents to take responsibility and provide comprehensive guidance to their children, which she believes will equip them with the knowledge needed to make better life choices.

The Deputy PRO’s message showcases the importance of collaboration between parents and schools to foster the holistic development of children. Providing guidance on sex education and employing alternative disciplinary measures are crucial steps toward raising informed, disciplined, and responsible young individuals.