Reproductive and Social Health Education Guideline Launched to Raise Awareness Among Community
The Reproductive and Social Health Education (PEERS) guideline was launched today, aimed at raising awareness of reproductive health among the community, particularly parents and students, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
Development of the Guideline
The guideline was developed comprehensively through input and recommendations from experts in various fields, including medicine, psychiatry, psychology, social work, sociology, law, education, family health, child welfare, and religion. It is empowered by six pillars: human development, relationships, self-management skills, marriage and family, sexual health and behavior, as well as society, culture, and law.
"This is a living document and dynamic. So, whenever there are weaknesses, improvements will be made. Our consultants will provide added value if any issues arise during the implementation. It can also be updated according to current trends and needs," Fadhlina said during the launch at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaaan St. Mary.
Inclusions and Practices
The PEERS guideline includes reproductive development such as relationships, marriage, family life, puberty, menstruation, human anatomy, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases. It also outlines practices for reproductive and social health care, gender identity, decision-making skills, effective communication, and the prevention of sexual violence tailored to the target age group based on research and observations of real-life situations.
Target Groups and Implementation
The PEERS initiative targets four age groups: children aged four to six (Group 1), seven to nine (Group 2), 10 to 12 (Group 3), and those aged 13 to 19 (Group 4). Fadhlina hopes that the guideline will be disseminated within the community, particularly among parents and school students, before it becomes part of the school curriculum in 2027 for all levels.
Rise in Teen Pregnancies
On November 10, Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri expressed concerns over rising cases of teen pregnancies, underage marriage, baby abandonment, and unsafe abortion in the country. According to data from the Health Ministry, 44,263 cases of teenage pregnancies have been recorded over the past five years, with 17,646 involving unmarried teenagers.
Ban on Vaping
When asked about the ban on vaping among school students, Fadhlina said parents also need to monitor their children’s activities outside of school hours. "We still need the support and assistance of parents to monitor their children, particularly their purchasing activities and what they do outside of school, as we may not have information on how they are obtaining the (vape) supply. However, at the school level, guidelines are in place, and strict disciplinary actions will be taken if students are found guilty of violating the school rules," she added.
Conclusion
The PEERS guideline is an important step in promoting reproductive and social health education among the community. With its comprehensive approach and dynamic updates, it has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of students and parents alike.
FAQs
Q: What is the PEERS guideline?
A: The PEERS guideline is a comprehensive reproductive and social health education program aimed at raising awareness among the community, particularly parents and students.
Q: Who developed the guideline?
A: The guideline was developed through input and recommendations from experts in various fields, including medicine, psychiatry, psychology, social work, sociology, law, education, family health, child welfare, and religion.
Q: What are the pillars of the guideline?
A: The guideline is empowered by six pillars: human development, relationships, self-management skills, marriage and family, sexual health and behavior, as well as society, culture, and law.
Q: What is the target age group of the PEERS initiative?
A: The PEERS initiative targets four age groups: children aged four to six (Group 1), seven to nine (Group 2), 10 to 12 (Group 3), and those aged 13 to 19 (Group 4).