Why the Sex Ed Gap Is Bigger Than You Think
Team MyMuse - Feb 28, 2025
India’s sex ed gap is massive—and the impact is real. The numbers speak for themselves. But change is possible. Open conversations, better education, and accessible resources can make all the difference.
Sex education in India is often treated like the elephant in the room—everyone knows it’s important, but no one wants to talk about it. And when we don’t talk about it, that gap is filled with misinformation instead. The Laid In India survey by MyMuse (2024) makes one thing very clear: we have a serious problem on our hands.
The Numbers That Say It All
- 38% of Indians first learned about sex from a friend. No textbooks, no proper lessons—just playground whispers and questionable internet searches.
- Only 3.7% reported learning about it from their parents or schools. That means formal sex education is practically non-existent.
- 38% said no one ever taught them about sex. They were left to figure things out on their own.
This data isn’t just shocking—it’s a wake-up call. Without structured education, myths, taboos, and half-truths fill in the gaps, shaping how Indians think about sex, consent, and their own bodies.
Why Is Sex Ed Such a Mess?
1. It’s ‘Sharam Ki Baat’
Sex is still seen as a taboo topic in many Indian homes. Parents avoid the conversation, either because they don’t know how to approach it or because they weren’t taught themselves. This silence leads to a never-ending cycle of ignorance and shame.
2. Schools Are Skipping the Important Parts
Sure, textbooks cover reproductive biology, but topics like consent, healthy relationships, and inclusion are often overlooked. Most schools either skim past these crucial topics or avoid them altogether.
3. Misinformation Is Everywhere
Without proper education, people turn to pop culture, random WhatsApp forwards, and internet forums etc for their ‘sex ed.’ Spoiler: these are NOT reliable sources. That’s how we end up with wild myths like “Masturbation causes blindness”.
4. Sex Ed is Often Gendered
Boys and girls are taught very different things. Boys get vague warnings about ‘self-control,’ while girls are burdened with ideas of purity and virginity. This uneven messaging shapes unhealthy attitudes around sex, consent, and pleasure.
What Happens When People Don’t Get Proper Sex Ed?
- More STIs and unplanned pregnancies: Lack of knowledge about contraception = risky decisions.
- Confusion about consent: Without conversations on boundaries and respect, harassment and coercion remain common.
- Body image issues and shame: Many people grow up feeling disconnected from or embarrassed about their bodies.
- Lack of inclusivity: Many individuals are left out of the conversation, making it even harder for them to understand their own identities and needs.
What Can We Do?
1. Start Talking (and Keep Talking)
Sex ed shouldn’t be a one-time awkward chat—it should be an ongoing, shame-free conversation. Parents need to step up, and so do educators.
2. Schools Need to Teach More Than Just Biology
Consent, pleasure, contraception, healthy relationships, inclusivity—ALL of it needs to be covered. Kids deserve real, useful information.
3. Bust the Myths
Myths about sexual health are rampant. Luckily, social media, influencers, and many brands are already working to set the record straight. The more we challenge outdated ideas, the faster we break the cycle.
4. Make Sex Ed Accessible to Everyone
Workshops, books, digital platforms, interactive guides—there are so many ways to spread the right information. The goal is to make accurate, judgment-free education easy to find.
Sex ed isn’t just about biology—it’s about confidence, safety, and self-awareness. It’s time to stop treating it like an afterthought and start giving people the knowledge they actually need.
