Sexuality education refers to both formal and informal processes by which individuals acquire [Page 1555]knowledge about human sexuality. Sexual knowledge includes scientific and medical information about biological processes of the human body, such as sexual development, reproductive health, and disease. In addition to scientific and medical information, sexuality education, sometimes referred to as sex education, may include instruction related to specific skills that are used to navigate sexual experiences, such as emotional skills, body awareness, self-understanding, and interpersonal skills.

Because of the varied opinions, norms, and values associated with sexuality in general, sexuality education is a complex topic. Sexuality education is an ongoing process that occurs formally and informally across the life span. Sexuality education, whether formal or informal, influences beliefs, attitudes, and values and has ...