Sexuality is an important part of every person's life, and it begins from childhood. In Serbian society, traditional values are still prevalent, which means that parents and teachers have different opinions about what kids should learn about sex. While some believe that children should be taught strictly according to religious principles, others think they need to know more about modern sexual education. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Sex Research, adolescents face difficulties managing these conflicts between their families' teachings and modern sexual health knowledge.
The Orthodox Church is the dominant religion in Serbia. It has a significant impact on many aspects of people's lives, including sexuality.
The church does not allow premarital sex, abortion, contraception, and same-sex marriage. On the other hand, modern sexual health education focuses on issues like birth control, STD prevention, and gender identity. These conflicting views can cause confusion for young people trying to navigate the world of sexuality. The researchers found that most adolescents said they felt pressured by their peers, who often had more liberal attitudes than their parents or teachers. Some even reported feeling guilty about their own sexual desires because they did not align with what the church or school taught them.
To address this issue, the researchers recommended developing new approaches to sexual education that incorporate both religious teachings and modern science. They suggested that schools could offer classes on how to practice safe sex while respecting religious beliefs. This would help adolescents understand that there is no conflict between being faithful and responsible about their bodies.
Parents could talk openly with their children about sexuality without shaming them or forcing religious ideology onto them. By creating an environment where kids feel comfortable discussing all aspects of sexuality, we can ensure they make informed decisions as adults.
How does Orthodox sexual education in Serbia combine religious teachings with modern sexual health knowledge, and how do adolescents manage conflicts between these frameworks?
In Serbia, Orthodox sexual education combines religious teachings with modern sexual health knowledge by emphasizing abstinence before marriage, monogamy within marriage, and modesty in behavior. Adolescents may experience conflicts when trying to reconcile traditional beliefs about sexuality with contemporary values that promote individual choice, non-conformism, and openness.