Insufficient sex education leaves young people vulnerable to 'predators,' say abuse survivors.

Advocates for campus safety are warning that opposing comprehensive sexuality education in the name of "protecting children's innocence" actually makes students more vulnerable to abuse.

The group Enough is Enough, formed in 2022 by survivors of sexual abuse in schools, criticized the backlash against Senate Bill 1979, the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Bill, as "deeply concerning." They argue that misinformation about the bill, led by former Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno and conservative groups, is harmful, especially for teenagers who lack knowledge about sexual health.

Kate Leonor, the group's spokesperson, expressed frustration over the indifference of those opposing the bill, stating that gaps in sex education leave students unaware of how to protect themselves from exploitation. 

Critics, including Sereno, claim the bill could expose children to explicit content based on guidelines from UNESCO and the World Health Organization. These claims have prompted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to say he would veto the bill if passed in its current form.

The Department of Education (DepEd) and Senator Risa Hontiveros, the bill's author, have refuted these allegations, stating that the curriculum is tailored to local contexts and does not fully follow international standards.

Advocates emphasize that the lack of proper sex education makes minors more susceptible to harassment and abuse. Human Rights Watch echoed these concerns, stating that the bill is essential for protecting children from unwanted pregnancies and sexual abuse by providing appropriate education.

The United Nations has also urged the public to verify information about comprehensive sexuality education, highlighting that many young people receive inadequate information about sexual health, leaving them vulnerable.