ATTITUDES AND VIEWS OF TEACHERS TOWARDS STUDENTS’ SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN TANZANIA

This study assessed attitudes and views of thirty secondary school teachers and three heads of schools towards students’ sexual relationships in three secondary schools. Teachers filled in a questionnaire, which tapped their views and reaction towards students’ sexual relationships; knowledge of sex education; and how they assisted students on sexual related matters. The heads of schools and twelve teachers were interviewed. The results of this assessment revealed a range of teachers’ attitudes and views towards students’ sexual relationships. Many teachers favoured the provision of sex education; yet, most of them were either not conversant with sex education or did not want to educate or assist students in sexual related matters. Some teachers punished students involved in sexual relationships; this indicated negative attitudes towards students’ sexual relationships. Some teachers helped students on sexual matters, which indicated positive attitude towards students’ sexual relationships. This paper recommends for alternative ways to improve students’ wellbeing through provision of effective sex education to students, strengthening help and support systems in schools, and establishment of sex education programmes for teachers and students.