Back when we were in school, relationships, dating, developing crushes, physical intimacy, and romance were hush-hush topics that were brushed under the carpet. Teachers would shut us up and completely disregard our questions whenever such topics were brought up. The same was the case in many families that discouraged proper conversations regarding dating and relationships between teenagers.
However, teenagers nowadays have access to a lot of information, thanks to the internet. But not all information found online is healthy. So before they start getting messed up ideas about dating, relationships, heartbreak and sex, it is crucial for families and schools to step up and engage in mature conversation with students.
CBSE has apparently introduced Value Education books for class 9 students wherein they have explained dating and relationships to a good extent. Pictures from the book were shared on X (formerly Twitter) by user @nashpatee.
9th class textbooks nowadays 🥰🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/WcllP4vMn3
— khushi (@nashpateee) January 30, 2024
If you look closely, you will find that, through the medium of a simple story, the development of crushes and “special” friendships are explained in a paragraph.
On another page, popular terms like ‘ghosting’, ‘catfishing’. and ‘cyberbullying’ are explained.
People online lauded CBSE for introducing such much-needed chapters in books which would help kids to have an idea about complex human relationships and would prevent them from developing unhealthy attachments and emotional patterns. Here’s how some of them reacted:
times are changing. people start dating from a very young age nowadays, it's amazing if the system accepts this and includes topics like these in the curriculum. helping kids understand this complex dynamics is far better than how dating was treated back in our days.
I just hope… https://t.co/ZUsZtDHMCJ
— Debarati (@DebaratiJee) January 30, 2024
I think it’s a good thing, I just hope the teachers are actually teaching these things and not brushing it off like the reproduction chaps https://t.co/W0bydjStbP
— Aman (@siroyeahhhh) January 30, 2024
good step. if taught in the right way, this can be quite beneficial for students/teenagers. https://t.co/afYJ55e8m7
— batman (@iLagaan) January 31, 2024
Meanwhile, during my school days, they skipped the reproduction chapter each year until grade 10. https://t.co/gYgLu5WMJw
— Dr. Aakriti Timsina™ (@AakritiTimsina) January 31, 2024
Cbse lo value education subject anta .. I think it's a good knowledge to have so that they take informed decisions later , I didn't know how relationships and break up feels until later after college😭 https://t.co/c9Qe30Ew84
— Tranquil🧘♀️ (@AllrounderSoul) January 31, 2024
I think it's a good move. Its the era of internet, kids are exposed to lots of stuffs.
Teaching teens about "understanding" themselves and their partners will do them good in the long run.
Maybe we will finally be able to come out from toxic cycles. https://t.co/XVooBD5S9m
— FairyBunny • ONE PACT (@xiuxiucheekies) January 31, 2024
Considering everything kids are exposed to via internet, seems like a good move https://t.co/wICkmFPzCD
— Liv (@PreshanAatmaa) January 31, 2024
Such conversations need to be encouraged more in schools. Don’t you think?