Abstinence, safer sex and contraception

Quick links

• Abstinence
• Facts
  
• Abstinence teaching tips
  
• Safer sex
• Teaching tips
• Resources
  
• Contraceptive methods
• Facts
• Teacher tip
  
• Condoms
• Relevant GDHR learning activities
  
• Resources
  

Abstinence

**For students of school age, abstinence is an important message**.

GDHR reflects a philosophy where abstinence from sexual activity for school aged students is the key focus. The policy framework for the implementation of relationships education in WA is based on three key principles, one of which is the promotion of abstinence and the postponement of sexual activity for young people.

Research shows that a significant proportion of secondary school students have had, or are thinking of having, sexual intercourse (La Trobe, 2008). Therefore, some activities in this curriculum will include reference to sexual intercourse. In all discussion abstinence should be emphasised as being the safest choice for people their age.

People have different definitions for the term abstinence. The most common definition is choosing not to have sexual intercourse. Abstinence is only 100% effective against STI and pregnancy if it involves abstaining from oral, anal and vaginal sex.

Facts

• Abstinence is the only 100% effective method against unwanted pregnancy, STI, and BBV.

• Sexuality/relationships education does not promote teens to engage in sexual activity.

• Abstinence only until marriage programs, popular in the U.S.A., have been shown to not delay the onset of sexual intercourse (Kirby, 1997). More information can be found on the SIECUS website. On the other hand, comprehensive sexuality education programs which promote abstinence as well as providing information on other forms of contraception are effective.
  

• According to the La Trobe Secondary Students and Sexual Health 2008 Survey, 25% of students in year 10  and  approximately 50% of students in year 12 have experienced sexual intercourse.

Abstinence teaching tips

• When teaching, do not preach abstinence. Instead, allow students the opportunity to clarify their own values.

• Never put a student on the spot to disclose their personal beliefs, values, sexual activities and so forth. Framing questions within the context of "why young people in general would..." places students in the position of "objective observer" (Adapted from Beyond the Basics, 2005).

Safer sex

Safer sex means not allowing a partner's body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids) into the body and vice versa. It can also mean covering up parts of the body that might be infectious (e.g. herpes sores or warts) when engaging in sexual activity.

Teaching tips

• Before providing a lesson on safer sex, it is helpful to do a review of reproductive anatomy, menstruation, and sperm production.
• Focus on contraceptive methods that are most commonly used, such as abstinence, condoms and the pill, over methods such as withdrawal, sterilisation and IUD.
• In Australia there are no regulations on age requirements for youth to obtain contraception, including condoms.
• Be conscious of the diversity within your classroom as some cultures/religions do not approve of contraception.
• Emphasise to students that no assumptions will be made in regards to their sexual activity.

Resources

• Negotiating Safer Sex

Contraceptive methods

Click on the following methods for more information.

Teacher tip

• Ice breaker activity idea- Ask students to name as many contraceptive methods that they can, including myths. Record these on the board, such as in the table above. Ensure that all myths are identified.
• Commencing July 2012, pharmacists will be able to supply oral contraceptive pills to patients without a GP script. Pharmacists will be able to dispense pills to patients
  who have lost their script or who are unable to see their doctor before their medication runs out.
  

Condoms

Facts

• Male/external condoms are 85-98% effective.

• Because condoms reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy, STI and BBV it is very important for youth to learn about them.

• According to the La Trobe University La Trobe Secondary Students and Sexual Health 2008 Survey, most students (69%) reported using a condom the last time they had sex and half the sample of sexually active students had used a condom each time they had sex in the previous year.
  

Condom teaching tips

• Young people need factual knowledge about condoms but also functional knowledge such as where to buy them, how to use them, how to negotiate their use, etc. Therefore, decision making, negotiation and refusal skills, and opportunities to role play such skills, are essential to this topic.
• Students also need to learn that condoms are not 100% effective. Viruses such as HPV (genital warts), herpes and syphilis can all be transmitted as the condom may not cover all affected areas.
• Students need to know what to do in an emergency; for example, what to do if a condom breaks, and be aware of emergency contraceptive methods.
• Using flavoured condoms can help to emphasise the importance of safer sex practises during oral sex and are also more interesting to students and smell better than regular condoms.
  
• It is important to use language that includes same-sex attracted students as sexual health education is important for all. For example, use the term "partner" instead of boyfriend/girlfriend. According to the La Trobe University Secondary Students and Sexual Health 2008 Survey, 3.3% of young men and 6.7% of young women reported being attracted to their own sex. Approximately 1 in 10 students surveyed reported their most recent sexual encounter was with someone of the same sex. For young men almost 8% reported their most recent sexual encounter was with someone of the same sex.
  

• Students need to learn how to correctly use a condom. The following videos model how teachers can do a condom demonstration for their class.  
• male condom video demonstration
• female/internal condom demonstration
• dental dam demonstration