Sex Education

Sex education may be defined narrowly as are productive health curriculum delivered to young people by public school teachers. This limited view can be considered problematic because it focuses only on sexual functioning or behavior. A more current term—sexuality education—conveys a broader meaning that includes attitudes, roles, and relationships, as well as social and cultural aspects of being female or male. Also, sexuality concepts are learned throughout life from a range of people and resources in a variety of settings. The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) defines sexuality education as a lifelong process of acquiring information and forming attitudes, beliefs, and values about identity, relationships, and intimacy. Sexuality education addresses the sociocultural, biological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of sexuality by providing information; exploring feelings, values, and attitudes; and developing communication, decision-making, and critical-thinking skills.

For sexuality education to be comprehensive, it should be included at every school grade level. Educational psychology guides the determination of age and developmental appropriateness for both content and methods. Curriculum design uses theories involving motivation, social and cognitive learning, and behavior change. In addition to developmental and theoretical foundations, programs should be sensitive and respectful toward community values and beliefs as well as the cultural background of students. SIECUS believes that parents are their children's primary sexuality educators, but programs that are school-based, originate in religious or community groups, or come from health care professionals can complement and augment the education children receive in their families.

Although the specific content and focus of sexuality education varies and may be contentious, research polls have consistently demonstrated that the vast majority of U.S. parents (87%–94%) want schools to provide education on topics including growth and development during puberty, sexual abstinence, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV/AIDS, contraception, and disease prevention methods. Students have also been polled and express strong support for sexuality education that includes coverage of health risks, birth control, abortion, and how to handle sexual feelings. Whatever the specifics, the primary goal of sexuality education is the health and well-being of learners. The purpose, history, and challenges of sexuality education are addressed in this entry.