Do We Need Sexual Health Education Programs In The Schools?

Sexual health is an important component of overall health and well being. According to Health Canada's (1994) Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education, "sexual health education should be available to all Canadians as an important component of health promotion programs and services" (p. 5). The Guidelines state that sexual health education programs are aimed at sexual health enhancement (i.e., positive self-image and self-worth, maintenance of physical/reproductive health) and prevention of sexual health problems (i.e., prevention of unintended pregnancy, STD/AIDS, exploitation and abuse).

Parents and guardians are a primary and important source of sexual health education for young people. Adolescents often look to their families as one of several preferred sources of sexual health information (King et al., 1988; McKay & Holowaty, 1997). In addition to families, schools are a particularly important source of sexual health education. As the Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education suggest


As the single formal educational institution to have meaningful contact with nearly every young person, schools are a vital resource for providing children, adolescents, and young adults with the knowledge and skills they will need to make and act upon decisions that promote sexual health (Health Canada, 1994, p. 11).


As an important part of its contribution to adolescent development, sexual health education can play a key role in the primary prevention of significant sexual health problems. For example, at present, over 45,000 young women aged 15-19 years become pregnant in Canada each year (Wadhera & Millar, 1997), and rates of common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as Chlamydia, are highest among teenagers and young adults (Health Canada, 1998). The high Chlamydia rate among 15-19 year olds is a significant health concern and when it is not recognized and treated, this STD can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and infertility (Patrick, 1997). According to Canada's Labratory Centre for Disease Control, although the limited data available suggests that prevalence of HIV infection among youth is currently low, adolescents "are a group that could experience an increase in HIV infection" (Health Canada, Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, 1999, P. 1). As documented below, broadly-based sexual health education can play an important role in the prevention of STDs and unwanted pregnancies among young people.   

©1999 SIECCAN

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