Sex education for pupils from Asian ethnic minority groups

MANY children in British schools come from Islamic, Hindu or Sikh backgrounds, which calls for a differ ent approach to education about sex and contracep tion. The Eastern tradition of arranged marriages, forbidden pre-marital sex and the desire for children (particularly sons) soon after marriage, have the greatest influence over women's choice of contra ceptive. Sex is not openly discussed in Asian fam ilies, so instruction in basic anatomy and human reproduction is essential. Teachers should be aware of these cultural influences and should try and promote discussion.