Benefits

Reduced Sexual Assault Cases

Sex education that includes information about sexual assault and refusal techniques for unwanted sexual advances, when taught before age 18, is an "independent protective factor" in sexual assault cases for college-aged and younger. (National Library of Medicine)

An independent protective factor is a term that has two implications:

• A protective factor is something that reduces risk and has decreases likelihood for a negative outcome (SAMHSA)

• The fact that this protective factor is independent means that regardless of other factors in these situations, comprehensive sex education will result in a lower number of sexual assault cases.

LGBTQ+ Acceptance and Education

• The majority of LGBTQ+ children feel as though they do not have a trusted adult to reach out to about their identity (GLSEN)

• Additionally, when sex education does not have information on LGBTQ+ sex, many LGBTQ+ youth turn to their peers or the internet, which do not offer safe or medically accurate information for them to teach themselves.

Comprehensive sex education that includes LGBTQ+ sex education reduces the rates at which LGBTQ+ youth feel uneducated or isolated. It shows them that their identities are valued and taken into consideration when sex education is taught. It also ensures that LGBTQ+ youth have access to accurate and safe information. (HRC)

Reduced Teen Pregnancies

• Youth who receive comprehensive sex education are less likely to have an unwanted pregnancy than youth who receive only abstinence sex education, according to a Washington University study. (ACLU)