Family Planning comment on sexuality education

Family Planning comment on sexuality education

Family Planning says international evidence proves that good quality, comprehensive sexuality education delays the onset of sexual activity, reduces the number of partners, the frequency of intercourse and increases condom and contraceptive use.

"Programmes are shown to be effective when they begin before a young person first has sex. Comprehensive sexuality education aims to equip children and young people with the knowledge, skills and values to have safe, fulfilling and enjoyable relationships and to take responsibility for their health and well-being, Family Planning chief executive Jackie Edmond says.

Family Planning says good sexuality education programmes are age-appropriate and build up information and skills over the years. Sexuality education is also more effective when both home and school contribute.

"Parents are the first sexuality educators of their children - we say that values are taught not caught. Parents and caregivers also role model relationship behaviours, gender roles and expectations," Ms Edmond says.

Young people are maturing age younger ages than ever before. They are bombarded with media messages about sexuality and if parents and educators are not talking about sexuality they will get their messages and information from internet, music, videos and films. Sexuality education helps them make sense of these media messages and to separate fact from fiction.

Because sexuality education is much more than "the birds and the bees" it should start young. Normalising conversations about bodies, good and bad feelings, families and relationships and learning communication skills from a young age makes it okay for child to ask questions and build on their understanding as they mature.

Sexuality education goes well beyond biology. Comprehensive sexuality education includes elements such as anatomy and physiology, reproduction and contraception but it's much more than that. It's about exploring attitudes and values, relationships, communication, identity, gender roles, responsibilities, understanding differences and the emotional and spiritual components of sexuality.

Comprehensive sexuality education includes looking at attitudes and values, knowledge and skills such as decision making, communication, negotiation and resisting pressure.

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