Sex education to be conducted online for children in Sri Lanka

Sex education is to be conducted online for school children in Sri Lanka.

The Parliamentary Caucus for Children Chaired by MP Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, which met in Parliament, directed its attention towards reproductive health and sex education for school children and cyber violence against children in Sri Lanka.

The officials present stated that educating Sri Lankan school children regarding reproductive health and sex education will be carried out online initially using new media.

The Chair of the Caucus Rohini Kumari Wijerathna commending officials of their efforts stated that the Caucus hopes the initiative is launched by October.

The Caucus also discussed the need to create content pertaining to reproductive health and sex education for the purpose of catering to different categories and groups in society for better understanding.

The Caucus also looked into the spread of drugs among children and the rights of children.

The Caucus also looked into re-introducing the complaint box kept in all schools where children can submit their concerns incognito. The Caucus further discussed to make aware of children on 1929 hotline service.

The Caucus also looked into the current context and the application of laws pertaining to cyber violence against children in Sri Lanka. The Caucus expressed that the Cyber Security Bill is in the draft stage and for the officials to submit their recommendations and observations accordingly.

The Caucus also looked into the harassment against children online and the existing measures to take action against such harassment. It was also disclosed that there are several child pornography sites, Facebook pages including other social media platforms with abusive comments against children which is concerning.

Moreover, the need for a proper media policy in place was highlighted as severaly media reports on cases pertaining to children are been reported in a very unethical and an insensitive manner.

Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Co-Chair of the Caucus MP, Dr. V. Radhakrishnan, MP Eran Wickramaratne,? and MP Thalatha Athukorala were present at the Committee meeting. (Colombo Gazette)