Why sexuality and relationships education
New: Evidence briefing: Young people’s views on sexuality and relationships education
New: Evidence briefing: Parents’ views on sexuality and relationships education
Sexuality and relationships education involves learning about feelings, relationships, gender roles, body image, sexual development, being safe and reproductive health. It supports children to develop personal and interpersonal skills to recognise, name and express their feelings appropriately and to develop their communication and negotiation skills.
Sexuality and relationships education supports and provides children with the opportunity to develop and explore:
- attitudes, values and insights - providing opportunities for young people to question, explore, and assess sexual attitudes
- relationships and interpersonal skills - supporting young people to develop interpersonal skills
- responsibility - assisting young people to exercise responsibility regarding sexual relationships
- information - providing accurate information about human sexuality
(National Guidelines Task Force, 2004)
Sexuality and relationships education involves more than teaching facts. It is also about providing opportunities for children to:
- feel good about being male or female
- appreciate their own bodies
- practice making healthy decisions
- develop and maintain healthy relationships
- express feelings and bahaviours in appropriate ways
- develop confidence and skills in talking, listening and thinking
(Sex Education Forum, 2002)
References
National Guidelines Task Force. (2004). Guidelines for comprehensive sexuality education: Kindergarten-12th grade (3rd ed.). New York: SIECUS.
Sex Education Forum (2002). Sex and relationships education for primary age children. London: National Children’s Bureau for the Sex Education Forum.