13

Opinions of teachers and parents before playing LOVE.check. I'm a teacher of 14- to 15-year-old children. I consider it crucial they receive sex education, but it's very hard. I've had some nasty experiences... so it's very awkward for me to discuss this topic with them. Sex education is very important... but as a teacher I wonder: Should it be given by school or the parents? I know that 90% of the patients contract HIV through unsafe sex. Personally, I feel a bit awkward talking about sex... but I also feel children start having sex earlier if you talk about it. You put ideas into their head. after playing LOVE.check I'm happy with a game like LOVE.check. We discussed the pictures and situations in the storylines... so the children could vent their personal wishes and thoughts... and I could skip my personal experiences. I hope, by discussing things so openly among each other... that they'll have fewer nasty experiences in their own lives. It really helps to put the cards on the table... and discuss sensitive subjects and awkward situations among each other. I understand that studies show youngsters only start having sex... when they feel they're ready for it. It's very important they talk about it and are aware of things... so they can make the right choices. The school is responsible, but indeed the parents are too. Children pick it up from the Internet or friends... so it's important they can make the right choices and know the dangers.