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Sexually transmitted infections (STI) and blood-borne viruses (BBV)

Quick links

STI and BBV information

 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections usually passed on during unprotected sex with an infected partner. This can be vaginal, oral or anal sex, and sometimes skin-to-skin contact.

A blood-borne virus (BBV) is a virus that is transmitted by blood, or body fluids that contain blood. Blood-borne viruses may be transmitted if blood passes from a person who is infected with the virus into the bloodstream of another person via a break in the skin or mucous membrane. Some BBV (HIV, hepatitis B) may also be sexually transmitted.

Links to More Information

Click on an STI or BBV link below for more details.

Virus Bacteria Parasite Other
Can be treated but not necessarily cured Can be curable if treated early Can be curable if treated early Can be curable if treated early

The following STIs can be spread from skin-skin contact

 

The following are blood-borne viruses

      

 

Current statistics for each STI can be found by clicking here

Note:

HPV Vaccination Program

  • In 2009, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccinations started being offered, free of charge, to all female students in Year 7. This vaccine is given to female students only, along with the other school based vaccines. HPV is the name for a group of viruses that cause skin warts, genital warts and some cancers, including cervical cancer. Some lesson plans that cover HPV and other sexually transmitted infections are “Preventing STIs” and specific HPV lesson plans can be found at the following link:  http://www.hpvinfo.ca/hpvinfo/teachers/lesson-2.aspx 
  • Video: Everything a girl should know about the HPV vaccine 

Hepatitis B Vaccination Program

  •  In 2010, hepatitis B, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis and varicella (chickenpox) vaccinations are being offered free of charge to all students at school in Year 7. The vaccinations will be provided by community health nurses and some local councils.

Teaching Tips

  • Research shows that information alone is not very effective at changing behaviours. Students require more “functional” than “factual” knowledge. For example, it is not as important for students to know about all the symptoms for each STI (rote memory) as it is for them to be knowledgeable about condoms, where to get tested, and how to set and maintain their own boundaries using assertive communication skills (functional knowledge). See IMB (Information, Motivation and Behaviour) theory for further information.
  • Scare tactic strategies such as showing youth explicit pictures of sexually transmitted infections is not the most effective way of educating youth. Often these images show the worst cases and are not representative of the average case. This approach also places emphasis on visible symptoms which is misleading as most people will not have any symptoms. This strategy can cause distress to students in the class who already have an STI. See IMB (Information, Motivation and Behaviour) theory for further information on more effective strategies.

Relevant GDHR Learning Activities

Early Childhood (years K-3)

Middle Childhood (years 4-7)

Early Adolescence (years 8-10)

Other Relevant lesson plans

Services

Guest Speakers

  • The Western Australia AIDS Council (WAAC) provides a number of HIV positive guest speakers. Alternatively, they have also produced an educational video called “Being Positive” that shows the stories of three West Australians living with HIV with accompanying learning activities. Suitable for Year 10 and above.
  • HepatitisWA can provide education about hepatitis including guest speakers.

Resources

Computer based classroom activities

International

Video

Animated Movies  

How to use a condom

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Blood-Borne Viruses

 Power Point Presentations

Links

Student Websites

 

 Frequently Asked Questions