Opportunities for strengthening sexual health education in schools: Findings from a student needs assessment in NSW.
Australia
New South Wales
comprehensive sexuality education
secondary school students
sexual and reproductive health
Journal
Health promotion journal of Australia : official journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals
ISSN: 1036-1073
Titre abrégé: Health Promot J Austr
Pays: Australia
ID NLM: 9710936
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
Apr 2022
Apr 2022
Historique:
received:
11
03
2021
accepted:
23
06
2021
pubmed:
27
6
2021
medline:
20
4
2022
entrez:
26
6
2021
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is important for the sexual and reproductive health of young people. To better understand young people's views and experiences of sexual health education in NSW, a student needs assessment survey was conducted in 2017. This paper presents the findings from 1603 NSW students in Years 8-12 following online recruitment. Descriptive analyses explored students' views and experiences in relation to sources of sexual health information, education providers, school-based topics covered and resources drawn on. Findings indicate that school, parents, friends and social media are students' most common sources of information on sexual and reproductive health. Approximately one-third of students reported wanting more information on topics related to relationships, reproductive health, consent and sexual decision-making and sexual harassment, abuse and bullying, and two-thirds of transgender and gender diverse students wanted more information on gender identity. For the topics which students reported receiving the least information about at school, they were most likely to seek this out on social media and websites. Findings provide valuable insight for improving CSE in NSW. The influence of social media, parents and the internet should be taken into consideration when developing resources and programme content. Professional development for educators could contribute to improving the quality of CSE delivered. Accurate and up to date resources must be utilised to support student engagement and effective learning.
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
499-508Subventions
Organisme : NSW Ministry of Health
Informations de copyright
© 2021 Australian Health Promotion Association.
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