Health can be a tricky subject to teach. Regardless of the topic, any health discussion is likely to elicit the inevitable snicker or giggle. Even so, that doesn’t stop Beijing’s international school teachers from tackling important subjects like drug and sex education head on.

“The way I see it, our job as teachers is to arm students with the knowledge to make informed decisions about what is best for them,” says Mike Lakwijk, Western Academy of Beijing's high school health and PE teacher. “We don't tell them what is right and what is wrong. We simply ensure that they are aware of the potential causes and effects that certain substances and actions can have on their well-being.”

There is no single protocol for teaching delicate subjects such as drugs and sexual health. Consequently, the methods used among instructors can vary widely. “How you approach a health topic largely depends on the students. For example, there are six ninth grade health classes at WAB, and I can tell you that given the same topic, the outcome of each discussion will always be different,” says Lakwijk. Part of this, he says, is because of the international school environment, which unites students of various backgrounds together in a single classroom. “Having such a diverse group of students can make broaching sensitive topics more difficult,” says Lakwijk. “The difference in cultures means that you're bound to have some students who are more hesitant to join the discussion, while others have no qualms at all.”

Vic Caban, WAB’s middle school health and PE teacher, tries to make the conversation easier by focusing on the facts. “I do my best to relay some of the health information in as objective a manner as possible, even using medical terminology when applicable,” he says. “This way, I’m just sharing knowledge, rather than passing judgement.”

Both Lakwijk and Caban also like to give students a chance to submit their health questions anonymously, a method that has proven effective in encouraging discussion among students. “In my classes, I sometimes hand out slips of paper to everyone and allot a few minutes of time for students to write down their concerns,” says Caban. “If they have none, then I ask them to write ‘no question.’ This way, I am able to address an important topic and no one student is singled out.”

Dr. Stephanie Teoh of Beijing International SOS Clinic also likes to use this method during her talks at Beijing international schools. “I basically give students a sheet of paper that requires them only to fill in the blanks. Afterwards, I collect them and address the questions as a group.”

Dr. Teoh says that it’s important that students find a comfortable means of expressing their health worries. “Students today are exposed to ‘grown up’ issues at a much earlier age, so it’s important that they have a means of asking questions as they arise." This is especially the case here in China, where underage drinking is unmonitored. "I've had students as young as 9-10 years asking questions ranging from body image to homosexuality to modes of sexual intercourse.”

WAB students who are still uncomfortable with sharing their thoughts openly are also welcome to find one of the school’s health teachers privately. “Unless we come across an issue that is out of our hands, our students can rest assured that the information remains confidential,” says Lakwijk. “I estimate that 99 out of 100 cases can be dealt with without a third party, like a parent or counselor.”

Both teachers still recommend that parents make a point of discussing sensitive health topics with their kids. “As a parent, I would prefer my son to come to me with his questions because I know that I can give him the proper advice,” says Caban. For parents who feel out of their comfort zones, Lakwijk stresses the importance of staying relaxed. “If you're uncomfortable, then your kids will be, too,” he says. “Just be sure to maintain a dialogue. Don’t make it a one-sided conversation where you tell your child what to do and what not to do. Ask open questions, and require more than a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. If that fails, then ask your child if he/she would be willing to speak with someone they trust, whether that's a teacher, a counselor or doctor.”