According to UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) plays a central role in the preparation of young people for a safe,
productive, fulfilling life in a world where HIV and AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended
pregnancies, gender-based violence (GBV) and gender inequality still pose serious risks to their well-being.
However, despite clear and compelling evidence for the benefits of high-quality, curriculum based CSE, few
children and young people receive preparation for their lives that empowers them to take control and make
informed decisions about their sexuality and relationships freely and responsibly
CSE enables children and young people to develop accurate and age appropriate knowledge, attitudes and
skills; positive values, including respect for human rights, gender equality and diversity, and, attitudes and
skills that contribute to safe, healthy, positive relationships (see Section 4 – The evidence base for
comprehensive sexuality education).
based on 87 studies (UNESCO)
Waiting longer before having sex for the first time. There is absolutely no
evidence that sex education encourages young people to have sex earlier. In fact,
sex education makes it more likely that first sex will happen later, when a young
person feels ready. And – most importantly – first sex is more likely to be
consensual, meaning it’s wanted and agreed to.
World health organization
Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) gives young people accurate, age-appropriate
information about sexuality and their sexual and reproductive health, which is critical for
their health and survival.
Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage: An Updated Review of U.S. Policies and Programs and Their Impact
Research has consistently shown that abstinence-only sex education does not affect
the rates at which teenagers decide to have sex.
United Nations Population Fund (comprehensive sexuality education)
It is vital to advancing health outcomes and gender equality. Yet research shows that too many young
people still make the transition from childhood to adulthood receiving inaccurate or incomplete
information about sexual and reproductive health, leaving them vulnerable to coercion, sexually
transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. UNFPA works with governments to implement
comprehensive sexuality education, both in schools and outside of schools through community-based
training and outreach. By investing in young people's health and education, governments can support
their engagement in society, ensure their well-being and help them achieve their full potential. UNFPA
also promotes policies for, and investment in, sexuality education programmes that meet internationally
agreed upon standards.
Sex Ed for social change (SIECUS)
Young people who received comprehensive sex education were significantly less
likely to report a teen pregnancy compared to those who received no sex
education.
Abstinence-only programs were not significantly associated with a risk reduction
for teen pregnancy when compared with no sex education.
In comparing abstinence-only programs with comprehensive sex education,
comprehensive sex education was associated with a 50% lower risk of teen
pregnancy.
After adjusting for demographics, abstinence-only programs were not
significantly associated with a delay in the initiation of vaginal intercourse.
Comprehensive sex education was marginally associated with reduced reports
of vaginal intercourse.
Neither abstinence-only programs nor comprehensive sex education were
significantly associated with risk for an STD when compared to no sex
education.
The question is not whether we should teach sex education, but how we can best prepare young people
with the knowledge they need to make safe, healthy choices. Comprehensive sex education covers more
than just the facts about sex—it teaches important topics like consent, healthy relationships, emotional
well-being, and understanding different identities and orientations.
1.
