SEXUALITY EDUCATION Young people say they want parents

SEXUALITY EDUCATION Young people say they want parents to do it Parents say they want schools to do it SO WHO DOES IT ? ? ?

What do children say ? n n n Sex education is ‘too little, too late and too biological The people they most want to talk to them about sex are their parents Their parents are not very likely to talk to them about relationships and sex, particularly if they are boys Source: Sex education forum – website

Work with parents n n A partnership with parents is essential to effective sex and relationship education To reassure parents that the personal beliefs and attitudes will not influence the teaching of sex education Support and encourage parents to talk to their children about sex and relationships Consult them regularly on the content of sex education programmes

To work with schools n n n Ask for the sex education programme of the school Arrange a meeting to discuss sex education Ask to see the resources used in school Work together with the teachers Advocate and liaise/work with policy makers on integration of sex education into the National Curricula

What is good sex ? n n Personal relationships, sexual health and sexuality education All our lives we learn facts and form attitudes, beliefs and values about the body, sex, relationships and identity It starts informal with the parents and carers long before the sex education in school. Sex education also includes learning to talk about feelings and managing relationships, and making decisions

What is sex education ? n n It is lifelong learning about sex, sexuality, emotions, relationships and sexual health It should support children and young people in managing adolescence and preparing them for an adult life in which they can: n n n Be aware of and enjoy their sexuality Develop positive values and a moral framework that will guide their decisions, judgements and behaviour Have the confidence and self-esteem to value themselves and others Have sufficient information and skills to protect themselves and their partner from unintended/unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections including HIV Access confidential advice and support

Sex education: criteria for success n Sex and relationships education in schools should: n n n Empower young people Offer positive and open view of sexuality Promote sexual self acceptance Be linked to contraceptive services Sustained by working in theoretical context Meet identified local needs

Sex education: criteria for success n Entitlement of all children to sex and relationship education should be ensured alongside the development of specific work to meet the needs of vulnerable and marginalised children and young people

Sex education: criteria for success n Sex and relationships education should be provided early n n n Before puberty Before feelings of sexual attraction Before actual sexual relationships develop Value messages should be reinforced A focus on risk reduction

Sex education: criteria for success n n Active learning techniques are essential Critical awareness of messages portrayed in the media should be developed

Concept of Peer Education Definition of peer: One that is equal/similar circumstances/characteristics n Peer information n Awareness Formal sector n Structured Schools / colleges Public sector NGO n Peer education Skills / capacity building Informal sector n n Unstructured High risk / hardest to reach Private sector parents/teachers associations, clubs, places where young people hang out. . NGOs can do more to instigate governments The final responsibility lies with the government