Abstract

The task of giving sex education was entrusted to the more elderly members of a family. Today, roles of the family members have changed a great deal and many parents hardly educate their children on this vital subject. Some parents who give sex education to their sons and daughters do not give all the information required and this lack of complete information has landed many boys and girls into problems. The traditional channels of sex education, traditional practices and social norms that have been hailed for moulding young people sexual behaviour are diminishing due to changing lifestyles. Sexual activities among the youth especially secondary schools are increasing which is now creating medical, social and economic problem in the society. The problem highlighted are increasing in unwanted pregnancy, induced illegal abortion, child abandonment or baby dumping ,truncated education opportunities especially among girls, high rate of infant and maternal mortalities and as well as the risk of STDs including HIV. For a very long time, the issue of sex education for young people, particularly in the African region but not exclusively so has remained a taboo (Prinstein, Brachwald and Cohen, 2011). Although sex is a natural developmental process, many parents, cultures and societies frown at discussing sex with their adolescent children. However, despite the potential advantages of parent-person communication, many parents worldwide are reported to be uncomfortable talking about issues related to sexuality, especially with their children. In sub-Saharan Africa in general parent-adolescent discussions on sexuality are dictated by socio-cultural orientation (Baird & Baird, 1995).