Sexuality Education in Schools

six key concepts

1. Human Development 2. Relationships 3. Personal Skills 4. Sexual Behavior 5. Sexual Health 6. Society & Culture

4 primary goals for sexuality education

1. Providing accurate information about sexuality 2. Providing an opportunity for young people to question, explore, and assess their sexual attitudes and develop their own values and insights. 3. Helping young people develop relationships and interpersonal skills. 4. Helping young people exercise responsibility regarding sexual relationships

Sex Ed and States

All states are somehow involved in sex education for public schoolchildren As of March 1, 2016: -24 states and the District of Columbia require public schools teach sex education (21 of which mandate sex education and HIV education). -33 states and the District of Columbia require students receive instruction about HIV/AIDS. -20 states require that if provided, sex and/or HIV education must be medically, factually or technically accurate.

effective comprehensive sexuality education

Do not encourage teens to start having sexual intercourse Do not increase the frequency with which teens have intercourse, and Do not increase the number of sexual partners teens have. Instead these programs can: -Delay the onset of intercourse -Reduce the frequency of intercourse -Reduce the number of sexual partners, and Increase condom or contraceptive use

Abstinence-Only Programs

Emphasize abstinence from all sexual behaviors as only approach that is moral and safe Advocates believe that adolescents should be protected from the details of sexual interactions and told of its harmful effects They are strongly urged to abstain and provided with information to promote the benefits of abstinence Discussions of abortion are avoided, while preventing STIs and HIV are promoted as the reasons to remain sexually abstinent -Do not include content about contraception or condom use

Abstinence-Based & Abstinence-Plus Programs

Emphasize the benefits of abstinence. -However, they also include info about noncoital sexual behavior, contraception, safer sex, and disease prevention methods. They do not rely on fear and shame and often help young people develop skills they need to postpone sexual involvement. Include content on contraception, abortion, and STIs. But all while in the context of strong abstinence messages. Programs typically do not begin until middle or high school

The Great Sex Ed Debate

Federal government only funds abstinence-only sexuality education programs Increasingly, individual states have refused federal funding for abstinence-only programs Individual states decide which type of education will work best for their state. -Some states have mandates, while others have recommendations.

Good sexuality educators 2

Has a sense of humor! Has good communication skills. Is at ease when communicating with students who come to talk about issues of concern (but know your ethical boundaries and when to refer). Is beyond reproach in their demeanor, dress, and what they say

Sex Ed number 2

In 2011-2013, >80% of 15-19 yr olds had received formal instruction about STDs, HIV and AIDS or how to say no to sex Only 55% of young men and 60% of young women had received formal instruction about methods of birth control

Good sexuality educators

Is interactive, able to teach within the affective domain (feelings), and takes an interest in students. Is open and willing to learn about sexuality among diverse groups. Understands the cultural contexts of students. Needs to be comfortable with their femininity and masculinity & free of societal stereotypes. Has a positive body image and accept one's appearance

Example Human development

Level 1-- Each body part has a correct name and function. Level 2-- During puberty, internal and external sexual and reproductive organs mature in preparation for adulthood. Level 3--The sexual response system differs from the reproductive system. Level 4-- Hormones influence growth and development, as well as sexual and reproductive functions.

4 age-levels

Level 1: Middle childhood (5-8 yrs; early elementary school) Level 2: Preadolescence (9-12 yrs,;later elementary school) Level 3: Early adolescence (12-15 yrs; middle school/junior high school) Level 4: Adolescence (15-18 yrs; high school)

Example Relationships

Level 1—There are different kinds of families Level 2—Family members have rights and responsibilities. Level 3—Relationships between parents and children often change, as they all grow older. Level 4—One purpose of the family is to help its members reach their fullest potential.

What about abstinence pledges

Majority did not stick to the pledge. In one study, 82% of pledgers denied having taken a pledge 5 years after the pledge. The sexual behavior of pledgers did not differ from non-pledgers. Those who signed a pledge were less likely to protect themselves from pregnancy and STIs

Sex Ed and States 2

Many states define parents' rights concerning sexual education: -38 states and the District of Columbia require school districts to allow parental involvement in sexual education programs. -Four states require parental consent before a child can receive instruction. -35 states and the District of Columbia allow parents to opt-out on behalf of their children

Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Provides medically accurate, age-appropriate information about both abstinence and contraception. Programs begin in kindergarten and continue until 12th grade. Include info on a broad range of topics related to sexuality. Abstinence is encouraged as the safer choice. Sexuality is viewed as a natural and healthy part of living. -Respect for diversity of belief about sexuality

Abstinence-Only-Until Marriage Programs

Similar to abstinence-only programs: -Don't include info about contraception or disease prevention methods -Emphasize abstinence from all sexual behaviors prior to marriage. -May include inaccurate info & use of fear However, they also make a distinct point that marriage is the only morally acceptable context for all sexual activity

effective abstinence only

Students who participated in "abstinence-only" programs were "similar" in their abstinence from sexual relations, involvement in unprotected sexual relations at first intercourse, and over the last 12 months, number of sexual partners, and age of first intercourse They were less knowledgeable about their potential health risks from STIs, and less likely to report that condoms were effective in preventing STIs.

Sex Ed numbers

U.S. ranks 1st among developed nations in rates of teenage pregnancy & STIs. 47% of all high school students say they have had sex 15% of high school students have had sex with 4+ partners during their lifetime. Among students who had sex in the three months prior to the survey, 60% reported condom use and 23% reported birth control pill use during their last sexual encounter

What do parents want?

When should sex ed start? 78% middle school or younger 13% highschool 7% never What type of sex ed should be taught? 66% abstinence and contraception 27% abstinence only 8% none

Learning Strategies for Sexuality Education

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