Representatives from UNFPA, Cheshire Disabilities Centre and Marie Stopes recently shed light on the progression of sex education in Papua New Guinea since the introduction of mobile phones, during a recent panel discussion held at Moresby Arts Theatre. Previously, sex education in remote parts of the country was an uncomfortable topic to discuss openly, however since the introduction of technology, towards mid-to late 2010s, the topic has become less controversial but not without cost. Gerald Bengesser, General Manager of Cheshire Disability Services PNG and Ivy Karue, Marketing & Communications Manager of Marie Stopes Papua New Guinea – both former workers of Youth with A Mission (YWAM) spoke on their experiences, when bringing awareness to rural villages. Bengesser highlighted the difference in response due to the introduction of pornography. “I remember in 2011, we visited a remote village along the Gulf Province." "We held puberty awareness and screened a video about reproductive health.” “The crowd giggled throughout; it was all new to them.” “But when we went back in 2017 or 2018, the vibe was different." "We screened similar content, but no one giggled, because by then, mobile phones had arrived.” “And with that came exposure to pornographic material." "People had already consumed explicit content without any guidance.” Karue echoed similar experiences. “We used to separate men and women in the villages and have them talk in gender-specific groups about sensitive topics." "That helped manage the discomfort.” “The conversations have changed however." "When we go into rural communities, we hold open forums before we start providing services.” “During one of our awareness sessions, one man stood up and asked us directly: ‘What exactly are you putting into our wives’ bodies?" "They say they get headaches and pain.’” “That gave us a powerful opportunity to address common myths and explain the side effects and facts to everyone.” “There’s still discomfort, but people are more open to these conversations in group settings." "It builds shared understanding and reduces misinformation, like the common myth that implants are tracking devices.” “People will listen and engage when the approach is respectful and clear.” Deputy Representative and Head of Programme UNFPA PNG Country Office, Rena Dona, shared that the National Department of Education, with support from UNFPA, has developed new Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) materials for Grades seven to twelve. “These resources are PNG-specific, they are not just copied from international guidelines.” “We have helped tailor them to reflect local realities, and we’ll soon be launching them alongside an instructor’s guide.”