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SEX EDUCATION

Instruction in the right use of sex, according to the teachings of the Church in the light of sound reason and the norms of Christian revelation. THe Church teaches that young people should be given and adequately taught about the facts of human procreation according to their age and mental ability, more so today when they are exposed to so many perversions of sex in the media. It should always be given along with the necessary moral instruction. Parents have the primary right and duty to give this education. If they fail, it should be given by a truly qualified person. Collective or public sex education is discourage because of the risk of incompetence in the teacher, and the practical impossibility of meeting the personal needs of each child in a mass presentation of this intimate subject.

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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