What Values Are Taught In School-based Sexual Health Education?

Canada is a pluralistic society in which different people have different value perspectives towards human sexuality. At the same time, Canadians are united by their respect for basic democratic values. An emphasis on democratic values provides the overall philosophical framework for many school-based sexual health education programs. For example, the Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education have been used by a number of communities as a basis for the development of a consensus on the basic values that should be reflected in school-based sexual health education. The Guidelines were formulated to embody an educational philosophy that is inclusive, respects diversity, and reflects the fundamental precepts of education in a democratic society. Thus, the Guidelines suggest that effective sexual health education:

enhances sexual health within the context of an individual's values, moral beliefs, religious or ethnocultural background, sexual orientation or other such characteristic.

emphasizes the self-worth and dignity of the individual.

instills sensitivity to and awareness of the impact of one's own behaviour on others, stressing that sexual health is an interactive process that requires respect for the self and others.

provides accurate information that counters misunderstanding and reduces discrimination based upon race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethno-cultural background or disability. 

is structured so that attitudinal and behavioural changes arise out of informed individual choice and are not imposed by an external authority (Health Canada, 1994, p. 8).

These statements acknowledge that sexual health education programs are not "value-free", but rather that, "Effective sexual health education provides opportunities for individuals to explore the attitudes, feelings, values and moral perspectives that may influence their own choices regarding sexual health" (Health Canada, 1994, p. 13).