In a recent survey of 1,225 young South Australians between the ages of 12 and 22, the vast majority want sex education in schools to move beyond puberty, anatomy and the prevention of pregnancy and diseases, and instead focus on teaching them about the current realities and pressures of their own situations. This includes providing practical advice and guidance on relationships and sexual health in the areas they are struggling to understand.
The online survey, conducted by the Commissioner for Children and Young People between August and October 2020, gathered young people’s experiences and views on relationships and sexual health education and invited their suggestions for ways in which they felt it could be improved.
If we provide evidenced rights-based relationships and sexual health education that responds to the contemporary realities, pressures and behaviours of our young people, we will go much further in protecting them from any potential harm, now and in the future.