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Relationships and sexuality education

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Relationships/Sexuality education


The focus of this teacher support website is healthy relationships and social and emotional
health, including sexuality. This resource is based on the World Health Organization
definitions of ‘sexuality’ and ‘sexual health’.

Sexual health


Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.

Sexuality


Sexuality is a central aspect of being human throughout life and encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or expressed. Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, ethical, legal, historical and religious and spiritual factors.

Reference
World Health Organization (2002), Defining sexual health: report of a technical consultation on sexual health. (accessed October 11, 2009).

Relationships/Sexuality education in schools


Relationships education is primarily the responsibility of children’s parents and caregivers. It
is important, however, that school-based policies, guidelines and programs also support young
people to make positive choices about their relationships and sexual health. Discrimination in
terms of gender and homophobia are also key issues for schools to address.

Relationships (sexuality) education programs have been found to:

  • increase adolescents’ confidence and ability to make informed decisions;1–4
  • delay the onset of sexual activity;1–4
  • decrease the frequency of sexual intercourse;1–4
  • increase the use of contraceptives in those adolescents who have decided to be sexually active;1–4
  • prevent teenage pregnancy and sexually transmissible infections among young people;1–4 and
  • provide additional opportunities for young people to learn about and discuss relationships and sexual health issues outside their homes.

References:
1. Baldo, M., Aggleton, P., Slutkin, G. (1993). Does sex education lead to earlier or increased sexual activity in youth? In IXth International Conference on AIDS, Berlin.WHO, Geneva, abstr. PO–DO2–3444.
2. Kirby,D., Short, L., & Collins, J. (1994). School-based programs to reduce sexual risk behaviors: a review of effectiveness. Public Health Report. 109:339–360
3. Wellings, K.,Wadsworth, J., & Johnson,A. (1995). Provision of sex education and early sexual experience:The relationship examined. British Medical Journal. 311:417–420.
4. Melanby, A., Phelps, F., Crichton, N. (1995). School sex education: An experimental program with educational benefit. British Medical Journal. 311:414–417.

Rationale to support sexuality education in schools


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