Sex Education, Comprehensive

Comprehensive sex education is a common form of sexuality education curricula taught in U.S. elementary and secondary school systems. These programs teach youth about social, physiological, and psychological aspects of sexuality. Comprehensive sex education also incorporates information about contraception and sexually transmitted disease prevention. Additionally, sex education frequently includes information about sexual orientation, sexual desire, and abortion. Public opinion about comprehensive sex education is divided. Proponents assert that students need a wide array of sexuality-related information to make informed choices and protect themselves from potential consequences. Critics argue that comprehensive sex education is overly permissive and fails to discourage teenagers from engaging in sexual intercourse.

There are many sex education curricula characterized as comprehensive. While individual lesson plans differ, curricular goals are often shared. Comprehensive sex ...