Haidian District in Beijing's western district, home to a host of prestigious universities, will take the lead in introducing the textbooks, the first of their kind in Beijing, to its middle schools when the new semester begins in September, the Beijing- based Star Daily reported.

The books break new ground in teaching youngsters how to deal with sexual harassment, take emergency contraception measures and keep away from drugs. They also cover AIDS, venereal diseases, "on- line love" and premarital sex.

Publication of the pilot series is a major step forward within the educational system, but teachers and parents were playing a more crucial role in guiding teenagers towards healthy ideas on sex-related issues, experts noted.

Adults are urged to overcome their embarrassment and openly talk about sex for the healthy physical and psychological growth of the younger generation.