starting only from Class IX, to equip children with essential knowledge about puberty, hormonal changes, and personal safety.

A bench of Justices Sanjay Kumar and Alok Aradhe underlined that schools must integrate sex education into the higher secondary curriculum, ensuring adolescents are informed about bodily changes and precautions to safeguard themselves.

"We are of the opinion that sex education should be provided to children from a younger age and not Class IX onwards. It is for the authorities concerned to apply their mind and take corrective measures, so that children are informed of the changes that happen after puberty, and the care and cautions to be taken in relation thereto," the bench said.

The observations came while granting bail to a 15-year-old boy facing charges under Sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC, and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The apex court noted his minor status and directed the Juvenile Justice Board to set terms and conditions for his release.