California State Standards for Sex Ed

In California, high school sex education is governed by the California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA), which was signed into law in 2015. The law sets standards for what must be taught in public schools regarding sexual health and education. Below are the key components:

1. Comprehensive, Inclusive Education:
   
   

   • The curriculum must be medically accurate, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive.

   • Sexual harassment, consent, and healthy relationships are emphasized.

   • The law mandates that students receive information on both abstinence and contraception as part of their education, addressing both the potential benefits and risks of sexual activity.

2. Topics Covered:
   
   

   • Sexual health education: This includes information on human development, reproduction, and sexual orientation.

   • Contraception: Information about contraceptive methods and their effectiveness.

   • STD Prevention: Instruction on preventing sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

   • Consent and Communication: Emphasis on the importance of mutual consent, respecting boundaries, and clear communication in relationships.

   • LGBTQ+ Issues: Education about sexual orientation, gender identity, and the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals is required to ensure inclusivity.

   • Healthy Relationships: Fostering skills to build healthy, respectful relationships, including emotional and physical aspects.

3. Parental Rights:
   
   

   • Parents or guardians have the right to review the sex education curriculum before it is taught.

   • Parents may opt-out their children from certain lessons if they do not wish for their child to participate.

4. Implementation:
   
   

   • Schools are required to teach sex education at least once in middle school and once in high school.

   • The state requires that instruction begins no later than grade 7 and continues through high school.

These standards are designed to provide students with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health and relationships, with an emphasis on inclusion and respect for all identities.