ALT 'I still remember the first time I taught sex ed when I was a Grade 5 teacher in an international school. The school had an open approach unlike many in Indonesia, but I still felt uncomfortable. If I could turn back time, I would speak with greater assurance & invite an expert to join the class. If we don't have structured & age-appropriate guidance, students rely on peers or the internet for info which can be misleading or unsafe. During discussions about relationships or body image, some students bring up terms or stereotypes picked up from social media. Teachers should be confident enough to lead such important conversations, but in reality, they are often left without enough preparation, training or resources. So, the gap between what students need to know for their safety & well-being & what schools are ready to provide is significant. Teachers can be better supported to address these challenges.

ALT 'Professional development opportunities are crucial to strengthening their knowledge & confidence. Partnerships with external experts can enrich classroom practices. Schools & education systems should create safe spaces for teachers to share & learn from one another, rather than leaving them to navigate the challenges alone. When we work together, we can ensure students receive consistent, respectful & empowering messages that shape their understanding & values for life.' Fransiska Wahyu Ari Susilowati Academic Director, Sekolah Bogor Raya, Indonesia Ms Tiwari is among the educators who attended a UNESCO-supported regional forum on teaching for adolescent health, well-being and #GenderEquality. Teachers are on the frontlines of addressing sensitive but critical issues like gender-based violence & adolescent health. Many describe challenges, from lack of training to harmful norms that silence discussion.