The goal of sexuality education

The goal of sexuality education in Victorian schools is to build on knowledge, skills, and behaviours, thus enabling young people to make responsible and safe choices.

School-based sexuality education is one of the core learning and teaching responsibilities a school undertakes to equip its students for a healthy, safe and fulfilling adult life.

Sexuality education - what is it exactly?

The term sexuality education reflects the approach to covering the many areas of this topic, including focusing on love, abstinence, safer sex, respect for others and oneself, diversity, personal rights and responsibilities, relationships and friendships, effective communication, decision-making and risk behaviours.

Please be assured that the content that we will cover in the RSE sessions is age appropriate. The program that has been developed by our school nurse has been done so in conjunction with involvement in Sexuality Education Training by Family Planning Victoria, and will act as a foundation of sexuality education for students, which will then be expanded on as they transition through to secondary school.

Why does my child need to start learning this in primary school?

While it can be a confronting topic for parents, providing your child with factual and evidence based sexuality education is paramount in your child’s development into becoming a sexually healthy adult. Early commencement of this education safeguards your child from exposure to inaccurate information. Also remember that ‘Sexuality Education’ is an umbrella term used to describe a whole range of topics and does not solely focus on reproduction.

Also keep in mind that the onset of puberty commences between the ages of 8 - 16. Some of our year 5 & 6 students may already be going through these changes and not know why or may have questions about their bodies and clarification that these changes are ‘normal’. It is important for these discussions to begin in primary school to ensure that all children are supported through these transitions, as children will develop at different times when their body is ready to do so.

Sexuality education is an essential curriculum component of the Victorian Essential Learning Standards. As outlined by the Department of Education, sexuality education of your child should be shared responsibility by the school, parents and the community. This is called a “whole-school” approach, which has been shown to be the most effective way of teaching sexuality education. The studies have shown that, while it is compulsory for schools to deliver sexuality education within health and physical education, your child’s sexuality education is most effective when you are also actively involved.

Won’t this education just encourage sexual behaviour?

Research tells us that children who are well informed and comfortable in talking about sexuality with their parents are the least likely to have intercourse when they are adolescents. Lack of information poses greater risks.
(DiIorio, C, Resnicow, K et al, 2006; Hutchinson, K, 2002; Jemmott JB, Jemmott LS, 2000).

No matter how uncomfortable it makes us feel, at some stage, all children will learn about sex.

Every youth has the right to medically accurate, unbiased information about their bodies, so they can make informed, empowered decisions throughout their lives. Without access to this information young people are left vulnerable to a host of negative health consequences including sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancy, sexual coercion, abuse and exploitation.

The inclusion of sexuality education in school programs has actually shown later onset of sexual activity. A review completed by UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation) provides some hard data on how sexuality education can influence behaviour. The review looked at 87 studies from around the world and found that none of the programs led to earlier onset of sexual activity in young people. It also found that more than a third of the sexuality education programs increased condom or contraceptive use when sexual onset occurred, and resulted in more than half of the programs reducing sexual risk-taking behaviour.

Can’t they just find out this information on their own?

Young people are subjected to confusing and conflicting messages about sexuality, particularly with the increasing pervasiveness of technology and social media; and the adults in their lives are sometimes ill equipped or unwilling to discuss these important topics with them.

School-based sexual health education provides an opportunity for students to receive consistent, medically accurate information about sexual health. In addition, it also provides them with a safe environment for students to ask questions about sex and relationships that they might not feel comfortable asking elsewhere.

Who will be teaching the RSE content at NMPS? Are they qualified to be teaching it?

The RSE program run for our students at NMPS will be delivered in sessions provided by our school nurse, Jennifer Elphinstone. Jennifer is a Registered Division 1 Nurse and is also a Registered Midwife. She has had extensive experience working within the hospital setting as a Midwife, Neonatal Nurse and has worked in areas such as mental health. Jennifer also worked at Melbourne IVF and has great knowledge of Assisted Reproductive Treatment (ART - which is covered in reproduction). On top of this hands on experience, Jennifer has also completed Training through Family Planning Victoria which specialises in sexuality education for primary school aged children. Family Planning Victoria is the leading provider of reproductive and sexual health education training in Victoria.

What is taught in the RSE sessions will also be reiterated throughout the year as students also complete their “Respectful Relationships” content with their class teachers.

If the school is teaching sexuality education, then why do I need to continue the conversation at home?

What students are taught at school is an overview of the very broad topic of RSE. Sexuality education encompasses social, emotional and physical health, and will be an ongoing conversation throughout your child’s life. Ongoing education is needed for such a complex topic, as your child is a complex and multifaceted individual whose views and beliefs will continue to grow and be challenged as they carve their way to becoming adults.

In Victoria, sexuality education is viewed as a shared responsibility between parents (or carers), the school and the local community. In health education in general, the partnership of home and school is of particular importance.

Hopefully, as your children grow and develop into young adults, they feel comfortable enough to be able to have these conversations with their parents. It is the role of the parents and carers of these young adults to continue these conversations and fill in the missing pieces.

Engagement of parents in sexuality education is most effective when it begins at the primary school. Educators can be a trusted source of information and nurture skill-building, but parents/guardians offer the unique support and values-based guidance that youth need. Only when parents and schools collaborate in educating youth about different, yet equally important aspects of sexual development, will we provide students the comprehensive education we envision.

Resources:

Whole-school learning in sexuality education (overview)

Sex Education - Tips For Parents

Catching On-line: FAQ about Sexuality Education

Using a Whole-school Approach for Sexuality Education

Talking Sexual Health: A Parent’s Guide

Making Sense: Information for parents, families and friends of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender young people

Department of Education Sexuality Education Policy