Young adolescent fiction now teaches sex education

Teenagers are very curious about sex and discussing that with adults is not something they are comfortable with. But as more and more young adult fiction writers include bits of sex education in their books, teens have finally found a way to learn and are beginning to understand that it is alright to be curious.

Young adult fiction now includes a number of writers who seem to be at ease and have made it their mission to talk about sex, in a light-hearted yet meaningful fashion. Meg Cabot is the latest author to join the bandwagon, who imparts sex education without sounding preachy. American authors seem to feel there should be no age restriction when it comes to sex education. In Meg Cabot’s Mediator series, Suze, the main character teases her stepbrother about his relationship with his girlfriend. Their 12-year-old brother quips and tells him to be safe and even talks about the methods that can be used.

Such instances are not just limited to Cabots’ books. Even in Judy Blume’s Forever which was written in the 1970s, the protagonist Katherine is told about sexual responsibility and about the Pill. In a her website, Judy Blume says, “If this book was written today, Katherine would be told that it is essential to use a condom along with any other method of birth control. If you’re going to become sexually active, then you have to take responsibility for your own actions.” “Most of the older generation has grown up reading Enid Blytons, Franklin W. Dixons and Carolyn Keene, but times have changed since then. Even though sex education starts later in Indian schools compared to those in the US, I think books are a great way of educating yourself,” says Smriti Raheja, a college student.

Series such as the Gossip Girls by Cecily von Ziegsar, the A-list novels by Zoey Dean and even the Clique collection by Lisi Harrison are not just upfront about sex, but also talk about sex education in great detail.

“It’s great that authors now want to cater to the typical young adult who is curious and wants to explore. Earlier 14-year-olds would read Mills and Boon and get the wrong impression, these authors help teens understand that it is alright to talk about sex, pro vided you have the correct information,” says Nishant Varma, a class 12 student.

By:RUCHIRA HOON