Sexuality education happens in schools. It might be in the intended curriculum – via an open and transparent agreed-upon set of content and standards. It might be in the hidden curriculum, with its opinions, values, attitudes, and approaches that might or might not be in sync with your own. Either way, it definitely happens.
According to the United Nations Economic, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), “The primary goal of sexuality education is that children and young people become equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to make responsible choices about their sexual and social relationships…”
But what is the most appropriate way to make sure children and young people are “equipped”? Who should do it, and where?
What’s happening around the world?
Pro-choice research from the United States suggests 80 percent of Americans support a blended curriculum that emphasises the benefits of abstinence, while also including practical lessons about condom and contraceptive use. In response, President Obama removed funding for Abstinence Only Until Marriage (AOUM) programs in his final budget, and has instead proposed increased funding for comprehensive sex education in schools.
In the UK, Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE), which includes sex education, is considered to play a crucial part in preparing young people for life. However, in early 2016, then Prime Minister David Cameron rejected attempts to mandate sex education in all British schools, a move that led female parliamentarians to hold up the gender card in dispute.
A pilot project in Quebec, Canada has seen 19 schools delivering sexuality education for students from K-12. If successful, the intention is to introduce a ‘no exemptions’ sexuality education curriculum across the province in 2017. However, delays in the pilot have raised concerns over teacher capacity and reluctance to teach sensitive content. Other teachers have taken matters into their own hands, delivering a hidden curriculum on explicit sexuality education of their choosing. If the mandatory curriculum goes ahead, parents will be refused the option of withdrawing their children from classes while sexuality content is being taught.
Sweden has a long established history of sexuality education. However, despite a compulsory program, introduced in 1956, the inconsistencies in teacher qualifications, and time allocation are preventing effective implementation. Some teachers dedicate only one day, while others allocate a six-week block to sexuality education.
New Zealand has taken a collaborative and respectful approach.
New Zealand has taken a collaborative and respectful approach. It is compulsory for sexuality education to be taught in schools, until the end of Year 10, but parents have the right to withdraw their children from these classes. School Boards are also mandated to consult with their community every two years about their Sexuality Education Policy and curriculum content. This allows parents to make an informed choice for their child.
In Singapore sexuality education is included as part of Character and Citizenship Education, and there is an opt-out clause for parents.
Australia is more like Quebec, where states or provinces have their own guardians or drivers of curriculum. Despite delays to the Quebec pilot, and parental uproar, complete with placards protesting ‘Math not Masturbation. Science not Sex’, Victoria is poised to mandate sexuality education in 2017.
For centuries, philosophers have studied and written about learning and teaching. In about 380BC, Plato wrote The Republic, a dialogue that included his thoughts on the ideal society and the education of children. In his writing, he rejects the family unit in favour of ‘guardians’. He reasoned that it would avoid nepotism and the amassing of private wealth. More importantly, he argued that children were the responsibility of the State, and no parent should know his own child, nor any child his parents.
It seems that throughout the world we have educational and political leaders who feel that schools are the most appropriate places to equip children and youth with the knowledge and skills required to be sexually active and healthy individuals.
It seems that throughout the world we have educational and political leaders who feel that schools are the most appropriate places to equip children and youth with the knowledge and skills required to be sexually active and healthy individuals.
On the other hand, there are leaders who, like me, believe that transparency and choice create respectful relationships and a healthy school environment. They want to build communities that demonstrate co-operation, and equip families to make healthy choices for their own lives and the lives of others.
Here are 10 essential questions that all educational leaders and parents should be asking:
1. What is being taught in sexuality education classes?
2. To what extent are the rights of parents being relinquished?
3. To what extent are the responsibilities and personal beliefs of teachers being compromised?
4. How will teachers become qualified to manage sensitive content effectively?
5. How will my school manage the implications of the hidden curriculum on sex education?
6. How will my school ensure the views of parents are respected, regardless of nationality, religion or family background?
7. Is our school prepared to take full responsibility for sexuality education?
8. What is already being taught via the hidden curriculum? How well do we know our staff?
9. How will we measure the value of sexuality education?
10. Do my personal values, beliefs, and attitudes match those of our school?
All schools have their share of dedicated professionals, complacent individuals, and politically driven antagonists. The curriculum, including Sexuality Education, is open to interpretation, and it does not deliver itself. Its success or otherwise is the result of human interaction and human values.
Whether your school already has an intended sexuality education curriculum – mandated or otherwise – or plans to introduce one, your greatest challenge will continue to be the hidden curriculum.
Sexuality education is already happening in schools, but not always where, and how we think
Cheryl Lacey is principal of Cheryl Lacey Consulting, a firm focused on elevating educational outcomes by putting the right professionals at the centre of the right improvement and performance strategies.
To learn more contact Cheryl at cheryl@cheryllacey.com or visit www.cheryllacey.com
© Cheryl Lacey 2016. All rights reserved
