SEX EDUCATION IS A MUST LEARN TOPIC IN SCHOOLS 1

Running Head: SEX EDUCATION IS A MUST

Sex Education is a Must Learn Topic in Schools

Sophia Mariel U. Gonzal

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Abstract

This paper provides articles reasons why sexual education is important in schools. This will provide

information about the human’s sexual health, diseases you can get from sexual intercourse and to make

responsible decisions. The articles used in this paper are from Advocates for youth, UNESCO, Future of

Sex Education and NASN (National Association of School Nurses). This will provide the reader to fully

understand sex education and the relevancy of it in schools.

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Importance of Sex Education in Schools

Sex education is the provision of information about bodily development, sex, sexuality, and

relationships, along with skills-building to help young people communicate about and make informed

decisions regarding sex and their sexual health. Sex education should occur throughout a student’s grade

levels, with information appropriate to students’ development and cultural background. It should include

information about puberty and reproduction, abstinence, contraception and condoms, relationships, sexual

violence prevention, body image, gender identity and sexual orientation. It should be taught by trained

teachers. Sex education should be informed by evidence of what works best to prevent unintended

pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, but it should also respect young people’s right to complete

and honest information. Sex education should treat sexual development as a normal, natural part of

human development (Advocates for youth, 2014).

Too many young people receive confusing and conflicting information about relationships and

sex, as they make the transition from childhood to adulthood. This has led to an increasing demand from

young people for reliable information, which prepares them for a safe, productive and fulfilling life.

When delivered well, CSE responds to this demand, empowering young people to make informed

decisions about relationships and sexuality and navigate a world where gender-based violence, gender

inequality, early and unintended pregnancies, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) still

pose serious risks to their health and well-being. Equally, a lack of high-quality, age- and

developmentally-appropriate sexuality and relationship education may leave children and young people

vulnerable to harmful sexual behaviors and sexual exploitation (UNESCO, 2018).

Health education and promotion, disease prevention, and risk reduction are essential practice

components for the 21st century school nurse to help students stay healthy, safe and ready to learn

(NASN, 2016). School nurse leaders advocate for and support the delivery of evidence-based sexual

health education that

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is “...medically accurate, developmentally appropriate, and … provides students with the skills
and resources that help them make informed and responsible decisions” (FOSE, 2012, p.8).
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References

Emily Bridges, MLS, and Debra Hauser, MPH, Advocates for youth, (2014). Sexuality Education

Future of Sex Education Initiative, (2012).National sexuality education standards: Core content

and skills, K-12 [a special publication of the Journal of School Health]

National Association of School Nurses (NASN), (2016).Sexual Education in Schools

UNESCO organization, (2018).Why Comprehensive Sexuality Education is Important