Sex education has always been an aspect of a well-rounded upbringing, but in the 2020s, it has become more critical than ever. Equipping young people with accurate and relevant information. With changes in the way we approach relationships, inclusivity and diversity it’s vital that sex education adapts to the ever evolving requirements.
So what is the current state of sex education?
What is important or needs to be addressed?
The Evolution of Sex Education
Changes to the Curriculum
The days of awkward educational videos and taboo discussions is gone. Governments and educational institutions recognize the need for a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to sex education. The United Kingdom, changes were made to the relationships and sex education (RSE) curriculum in 2020. This included the addition of topics like diverse family structures, setting personal boundaries, and developing healthy relationships.
This updated curriculum aims to address informatioin young people need in a rapidly changing world. Technology and social media play a significant role in shaping understanding of relationships and sex.
It’s the first set of changes since important legislation like the Equality Act (2010) was put in place, highlighting the need to address diverse relationships and identities.
The Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated the sexual, social, emotional, and mental health of young people. With increased isolation and mental health setbacks, students have turned online for intimate connections and sexual experiences. The pandemic has created the need for appropriate sexual health information online, as traditional in-person social interactions have become limited.
The Necessity of Accurate and Comprehensive Sex Education
Young people need to receive accurate and comprehensive sex education to make informed decisions about their sexual health and relationships. Studies have shown that students who receive proper sex education are more likely to make safer choices, leading to healthier outcomes such as fewer unplanned pregnancies. This also means better protection against sexually transmitted infections.
The Importance of Sex Education Today
The Role of Technology and Social Media
One of the most significant factors influencing the importance of sex education today is the pervasive presence of technology and social media in young people’s lives. With over a third of children aged 8 to 11 years old having their own smartphone and 20 per cent already using social media, it’s crucial that sex education addresses the impact of these platforms on how they perceive relationships and learn about sex.
Addressing Diverse Relationships and Identities
Another essential aspect of sex education in the 2020s is addressing diverse relationships and identities. The understanding of these topics has evolved considerably in recent years. With the repeal of Section 28 in England, which prohibited the “promotion” of homosexuality by the government, and the introduction of the Equality Act (2010), it left a gap education from previous years.
The Challenges of Sex Education in the 2020s
Inadequate Sex Education in Schools
Comprehensive sex education is required but many schools provide inadequate or outdated information to their students. In the United States, only 39 states and the District of Columbia mandate sex education in public schools. However the quality and content of these programs vary widely. Only 17 states require sex education to be medically, factually, or technically accurate, raising concerns about the information being taught in the remaining states.
Providing Information From Unreliable Sources
With sex education in schools failing and a reluctance to discuss the topics at home, young people often turn to unreliable sources for information. Research has found that girls get the majority of their information from social media influencers. Boys piece things together through adult cartoon shows like Family Guy and American Dad. This can lead to misinformation and confusion.
The Need for Open Dialogue
Providing effective sex education in the 2020s requires fostering open dialogue between young people, their parents, and educators. Studies have shown that half of all teens feel uncomfortable talking with their parents about sex, and many parents assume adequate sex education at school is provided.
Addressing the Challenges of Sex Education
Comprehensive and Inclusive Sex Education Programs
Implementing comprehensive and inclusive sex education programs is needed. These programs should cover a wide range of topics, including reproduction, puberty, contraception, consent, and diverse relationships and identities.
Involving Parents and Educators
Schools should provide clear and transparent communication about the topics covered in their sex education programs. Parents should be encouraged to engage in open and non-judgmental conversations with their children about these topics. By working together, parents and educators can ensure that young people receive the accurate and supportive information.
Using Technology and Online Resources
These platforms need to be harnessed as tools for providing accurate and comprehensive sex education. Online resources such as Planned Parenthood and Sex, Etc. offer valuable information for young people. Schools can integrate these resources into their sex education programs. This will counteract the misinformation often found on social media and other unreliable sources.
Key Topics in Sex Education Today
Consent and Personal Boundaries
Young people need to learn about giving and receiving explicit consent in all sexual situations. Recognizing and respecting their own and others’ boundaries. This will prevent sexual violence and abuse.
Diverse Relationships and Identities
Inclusive sex education should cover diverse relationships and identities, addressing topics such as same-sex relationships, transgender and non-binary identities, and different family structures. By providing information on varied relationships and identities that exist, sex education can promote acceptance and reduce stigma and discrimination.
Online Safety and Digital Dating Abuse
Sex education must address online safety and digital dating abuse. Students should learn about appropriate online behavior, the potential risks and consequences of sharing personal information or explicit content. They need to report and not participate in cyberbullying or digital abuse.
Mental and Emotional Well-being
Sex education should provide a platform to promote positive mental and emotional well-being. This includes teaching young people about self-respect and self-worth. This will foster healthy self-esteem and emotional resilience, sex education.
As society continues to evolve and embrace diverse relationships and identities. Sex education needs to adapt to meet the needs of today’s generation, fostering open dialogue and promoting acceptance and understanding.
RISE Above And Rescue Sex Ed
Today I am going to discuss something I feel incredibly passionate about. Something that I feel is important for all people to have awareness around and that is sexuality and relationship education for young people. It is no secret that there exists a huge lack in the sex and relationship education that is provided to children and teenagers today. With the school system offering the bare minimum of a sex education program for what should be a priority.
How Big Is The Sexual Health Education Problem?
The fact that rates of several sexually transmitted infections have markedly increased over time. Unacceptable rates of sexual violence and assault happening all over the world. Just these points should be enough to draw attention to the fact that the education that young people are currently receiving is not good enough.
These are some of the negative repercussions of a lack of positive sex and relationship education. But this runs so much deeper than rates and statistics of STI’s and sexual assault. Relationships play such an important role in our overall health and happiness. So knowing how to do them well can mean all the difference between a good and great life.
Where Do People Receive Sex Education?
Most children and teenagers receive education related to sexuality and relationships from parents and school teachers. With the information they gain from this dependant on where they go to school and what their parent’s attitude towards sex is.
Now, it is all well and good to leave this education in the hands of parents and school teachers to deliver. However when they are not equipped to do so, the consequences of poor sex education can be troublesome.
Learn About Children By Talking to Their Parents.
Talking to parents can be a great way for children and teenagers to learn about sex. When their parents have positive views of sex, which unfortunately is not always the case. If parents have negative views and attitudes towards sexuality because of a history of negative unresolved experiences with sex and relationships, then they are not in the greatest position tech. Escpecially in a positive way.
I am not yet a parent! But one thing I have come to notice is that the children who grow up with positive views of sex and sexuality have been exposed to parents who are confident and empowered in their own sexuality.
A study completed in 2010 by the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society showed that many school teachers offering sex education in their classes (usually PD/H/PE teachers) felt ill equipped. Those providing information to their students, in the majority having no or minimal training in sex education.
So despite their best intentions, school teachers can often lack the necessary skills to educate young people on sex and relationships.
Many young people growing up today are exposed to pornography early on in their sexual development (sadly before sexual development for some). This can have some negative repercussions to what they come to believe about sex throughout their lives.
Pornography displays an unrealistic portrayal of sex, with the clips easily accessible on the internet intended to entertain rather than educate. When young people are exposed to pornography without the awareness of its true intent (i.e. entertainment), they come to believe that the way that sex occurs in porn is the only way.
Considering that a large proportion of pornography depicts violence against women, this spells disaster. The actors in porn are having sex in a way that excites the viewer and not in a way that is necessarily pleasurable for them. Pornography does not make for appropriate sex education. Teachers and parents often lack the skills and qualities to teach it effectively, So what needs to be done?
Relationship, Intimacy And Sexuality Education Program
A greater emphasis on young people learning about relationships and sex is necessary if we are to see better outcomes for young people. For this reason, I, along with my partner Nic Tovey, have decided to create an educational program specifically for young people. Allowing them to learn skills that will equip them with the confidence to navigate the world of relationships, intimacy and sexuality in a healthy and empowered way. Focusing on, and then expanding on, the relationship with oneself.
This program will teach young people embodied tools and skills that will empower them to make healthy decisions when it comes to sex and relationships.
We are running a forum in Sydney, Australia to ascertain the desires and feelings of parents and their teenage children when it comes to sexuality and relationship education. We want our Relationship, Intimacy and Sexuality Education (RISE) program to be informed by the very young people we will be teaching. This opportunity gives parents a say on what they feel is important for their children to learn.
It’s all well and good to notice that changes in sex and relationship education is necessary. But if we do not take action, we will see no progression in the way that young people are learning about relationships and sex. There is no better time for change then right now!!
Author: Stephanie Curtis – Sexologist, BA Nursing – Consultant Adult Lifestyle Centres
Explore Stephanie Curtis’s profound insights! A caring sexologist, she delves into spirituality, tantra with professional, articulate, interesting articles.