KNTV SEX

PROGRAMME 2: THE FEMALE BODY

ACTIVITIES

Guidance

Teachers should refer to the general Guidance and undertake a group agreement before viewing the programmes and undertaking the activities.

This web page contains links to other websites that are neither controlled nor maintained by Channel 4 Television. Channel 4 Television is not responsible for the content of these sites and does not necessarily endorse the material on them.

Discussion questions

• What is PMT (premenstrual tension), also sometimes called PMS (premenstrual syndrome)? What are some of the myths surrounding it? Does the programme do a good job of banishing these myths?
• Think back to the amazing facts about the female body. How do you think some of this history contributes to our attitudes about the female body today?
• Do TV and magazines portray women as sex objects? What effect might this have on young women's self-image, confidence and aspirations for a career? How might this affect young men and what they expect of girls and women? How can young people learn to love their bodies?
• Where could you go for help if you found something wrong with your breasts or vagina?

Activity ideas

• Students could bring in toys and games from home – perhaps some belonging to younger siblings – or look through a toy catalogue. Use the toys and games (for example, princess dolls and toy soldiers) to generate a list of messages about what is expected of males and females. Is this healthy or desirable? How might we begin to challenge this?
• Work in pairs. Share with your partner three things you like about your body, and three things you like about your personality.
• Investigate the cosmetic surgery industry. The back pages of many magazines and newspapers are full of adverts. Or visit the following:
  
  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4147961.stm
  A BBC article about teens and cosmetic surgery.