Sex Education: A Challenge for Catholic Education

Abstract

Sex education in Catholic schools the world over poses a challenge. Since 2010, all schools in Chile have been required by law to offer a sex education program. However, little has been done to evaluate its implementation in schools that identify as Catholic. The article explores the difficulties and challenges perceived by teachers who are in charge of sex education at Catholic schools in the metropolitan area of Santiago de Chile.

Method: A qualitative design was used and data was collected through semi-structured interviews, based on a thematic script concerning an intentional sample. A descriptive and relational analysis was carried out, using grounded theory procedures. Theoretical saturation of the data was the criterion for completion.

The main difficulties found with sex education in Catholic schools are: the tension between the postulates of Catholic doctrine, the experiences of young people, an environment that is erotic and adverse to Christian values; and the beliefs of families and teachers. In addition, there is a lack of participation on the part of families and the operational difficulty of imparting education of this type, due to want of protec- ted time, adequate infrastructure and trained teachers.