The new sexuality education curriculum for Queensland primary schools

Hatching Babies and Stork Deliveries: Risk and Regulation in the Construction of Children's Sexual Knowledge

“…For many parents and educators, teaching children about these issues is fraught with difficulties and anxieties. These tensions can result in the family or schooling avoiding or not effectively addressing sex education with children (Robinson & Davies, 2008a;Goldman, 2010).…”

“…For many parents and educators, teaching children about these issues is fraught with difficulties and anxieties. These tensions can result in the family or schooling avoiding or not effectively addressing sex education with children (Robinson & Davies, 2008a;Goldman, 2010).Based on focus groups with children and their parents, we explore the relationship between risk and regulation associated with providing children with accurate knowledge about sexuality. We address two critical areas: firstly, we examine parents' anxieties associated with educating their children about sexuality.…”

Hearing Voices Inside Schools: Issues of Sexuality in Upper Classes in Primary Schools in Botswana

“…Therefore, their knowledge on sexuality issues in self-taught, lacks guidance and maybe detrimental to the moral fiber of the society they live in. This scenario experienced in schools leaves children susceptible to increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies (Goldman, 2010) which are predominantly common in schools in Botswana. It is important to allow classrooms to be microcosms of debate, dialogue, discussion and deliberation in order to refine the students' knowledge on various issues they encounter as beings.…”

“…Internationally, in countries Netherlands, Sweden, France and Germany, studies have shown that where there is an open and flexible approach to sexuality education, there has been a drop in teenage pregnancies, and lowest rates of reproductive health problems among the youths (Milton etal., 2001). Numerous authors have suggested strategies that can be used in the teaching of sexuality issues in schools (Goldman, 2010;Wood, 2009;Allen, 2005;Milton et al, 2001). Mayo (2007) provides illuminating strategies that teachers can use in their teaching to navigate through issues of sexuality such as gay-centered topics which include;  Mentioning certain famous people who are/were gays or lesbians  Taking advantage of "teachable moments" by using current issues in the news such as same-sex marriages for discussion  Taking advantage of courses such as abnormal psychology and discuss how homosexuality was diagnosed as abnormal behavior.…”

“…Teachers are often assigned sexuality classes as partof their teaching in their various subject areas (Milton et al, 2001). Most schools provide sexuality education based on the social justice principles of equity, access, participation and rights of children and young people in an effort to maximize their health and educational opportunities (Goldman, 2010). Sexuality education in New-Zealand as a school subject is embedded in the "health and physical education curriculum and is compulsory until the end of year 10 (approximately age 14)" (Allen, 2005, p. 392).…”