Let’s talk about sexual health education: Youth perspectives on their learning experiences in Canada

Abstract

Education, and by extension, school-based sexual health education for youth, falls under provincial and territorial jurisdiction in Canada, creating a tapestry of educational experiences across the country. Previous research has found general support for provid ing sexual health education in schools as reported by teachers, parents, and college/university students. The current study further explores this topic through an examination of the perspectives and opinions of high-school aged youth. The purpose of this study was to develop knowledge to better understand sexual health education experiences in Canada and help determine the extent to which youth feel informed and well supported to develop and maintain their sexual health and participate in healthy sexual and/ or romantic relationships. Twelve focus groups were conducted with youth (ages 12-19) across Canada and the transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. A total of 10 themes were identified related to what and how youth would like to learn, including four themes about the context and delivery of sexual health education and six themes about the content of sexual health education. Study findings highlight the need for youth perspectives when developing, implementing and evaluating sexual health education and provide insight to help inform recommendations for where educational improvements are warranted.

What One Gets Is Not Always What One Wants—Young Adults’ Perception of Sexuality Education in Poland

“…This research supports the importance of prioritizing comprehensive sexual health education that covers a wide range of topics that include educational content about accessing local services and resources as well as acknowledging and understanding both the positive and negative aspects of sexual activity and relationships. The results also highlight the importance of different sources of access to information for youth, social influences and safe learning environments in the context of sex education [58].…”

A Study to Analyze Need to Initiate Sex Education Programs in Schools

“…Moreover, some students may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable discussing sexual topics in a classroom setting. Overall, perceptions on this topic can be diverse (Laverty, Noble, Pucci & MacLean, 2021). In countries where sex education is a part of the curriculum and is taught comprehensively and age-appropriate, students may have a more positive perception of the initiative.…”

“…Additionally, some students may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable discussing sexual topics in the classroom, and regardless of the country or cultural context. They may feel it is private and should not be discussed in a public setting like a school (Laverty, Noble, Pucci & MacLean, 2021). Studies have shown that students in Pakistan generally believe that sex education should be taught in schools, but they also express concerns about the quality and content of the education they receive.…”

Contents, Methods, and Outcomes of Adolescent Sexual Health Promotion in School Environments: A Scoping Review*

“…Furthermore, school remains an essential source of reliable information for adolescents. [3][4][5] SH education is included in almost every secondary school curriculum, and it plays an important role in enhancing adolescent health and well-being. 3,6,7 School-based SH education offers age-appropriate and up-to-date knowledge, as well as the skills required to develop healthy relationships during adolescence and later on in adulthood.…”

“…[3][4][5] SH education is included in almost every secondary school curriculum, and it plays an important role in enhancing adolescent health and well-being. 3,6,7 School-based SH education offers age-appropriate and up-to-date knowledge, as well as the skills required to develop healthy relationships during adolescence and later on in adulthood. 3 The main goal is to develop adolescents' knowledges, behaviors, and attitudes towards SH and ensure the appropriate level of knowledge and skills to improve it.…”