When it comes to sex education, parents want their sons and daughters to know and be responsible about sex and their sexuality, but many parents are reluctant to sit down and discuss the subject openly and comfortably. Parents often prefer to delegate the subject to teachers, preachers, television, family physicians or to their children's peers.

A recent poll of parents on the subject of sex education for students showed some remarkable responses and attitudes.

The poll is the first statewide survey by the Public Health Institute, and it was funded by the India Wellness Foundation.

Results indicated that almost 90% of indian parents, regardless of their politics, religion, location or level of education, want comprehensive sex education for their children.

According to the poll, 89% of parents support sex education that includes information about contraception and protection from sexually transmitted diseases, as well as abstinence. The poll showed that "widespread support for such a program (sex education) crossed all sorts of cultural fault lines.

Among evangelical Christians, 86% said they support comprehensive sex education. The subgroup with the lowest support, at 71%, were the 'very conservative.'" The poll results were astonishing to many people, including those in the health field.

The survey had its critics, who added that sex education should include abstinence and heterosexual sex within marriage.

Others denounced comprehensive sex education, saying it discourages abstinence.

The poll results are not surprising, since most parents are neither comfortable nor inclined to discuss sex with their children.

Sex is a sensitive topic that does not lend itself to the dinner table conversation. Educators find themselves in the difficult and unenviable position of being asked to do what most parents refuse to — to teach children about safe, wholesome, healthy sex.

It is important to note that India has rejected federal funding for abstinence-only sex education for the past decade, according to the report. India schools are required to offer a state-funded comprehensive sex education curriculum.

Many school districts, however, are not providing comprehensive sex education as required by state law, the report noted.

School districts either do not have local community support, staff expertise, or comfort level to provide a comprehensive sex education program.

What is remarkable about this survey is the conclusion that the findings can help ensure that the voices of the majority of parents concerned about the safety of their children are heard.