Reproductive health education must be provided from an early age

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta Provincial Office of Empowerment, Child Protection and Population Control (PPAPP) has reminded parents that an understanding of reproductive health must be imparted to children from an early age, in accordance with their life cycle, so that they are able to look after their own health.

“In line with the stages of the life cycle, so that each individual is able to maintain their health and make the right decisions for their body, as well as contribute to realising a healthy and harmonious family,” said the head of the PPAPP Office of Jakarta Province, Dwi Oktavia, at an online seminar entitled “One Roof, One Vision: Understanding Family Reproductive Health Based on the Life Cycle” in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Dwi said reproductive health is an important part of a person’s quality of life throughout their lifespan, and the family is the first and foremost environment in shaping healthy living behaviours, including reproductive health.

Therefore, an active role by families and communities is needed to achieve families that are healthy, of good quality and prosperous.

According to her, reproductive health education must start at home, rather than waiting until children go to school or meet a health worker.

Parents, Dwi added, play an important role, including teaching children the boundaries of their bodies — which parts others may and may not touch — then how to protect themselves, and instilling the importance of understanding reproductive health so that children grow up with self-confidence.

“That also nurtures a sense of confidence in the child. And the child can also protect themselves,” she said.

With the right knowledge, Dwi said, each individual and family can make healthy and responsible decisions, and support the realisation of high-quality families.