At what age should sexuality education begin?
What to cover and when….
Becoming a Sexual Person….
We are sexual beings from womb to tomb
Sexuality is a natural part of life
Individuals express their sexuality in varied ways….
Coercive or exploitive sexual behavior
Sexual exploration is a natural process
All sexual decisions have effects or consequences
Children who are sexually educated…..
Developmental Messages
Content
Age
As a framework
Why Developmentally Appropriate??
To provide:
Meaningful
Pertinent
Relevant
Learning experiences for a variety of ages and learning levels
Sample topics to be covered Preschool through Upper Elementary
Preschool
Roles of family members
A recognition of the authority and concern of parents and others responsible for the care of
preschool children
Opportunities to make friends with children of both genders Ways to cooperate with family members and others in work and play An understanding that living things grow, may reproduce, and die Consideration for the behavior of babies
Early Elementary (K-3)
Information about HIV/AIDS
Encouraging positive feelings in children as it relates to their bodies Distinguish the differences between boys and girls
Define AIDS as a serious disease.
Caution against play with hypodermic syringes and to avoid contact with other peoples blood
Assertiveness skills
Begin a study of growth and development, be aware of needs to care for things
Be active in managing body’s health and safety
Be able to enumerate ways to develop and maintain friendships
Upper Elementary (4&7)
Affirm that bodies have natural sexual feelings
Help children examine and affirm their own families' values Provide basic information about human sexuality, helping children understand puberty and the
changes in their bodies
Information about HIV/AIDS, and how to prevent infection
Range of times at which normal developmental changes begin, including differences in male and
female timing of these events
Menstruation and nocturnal emissions
General stages of the body’s growth
The fact that emotional changes are to be expected during this time
ththHigh School (9-12)
In addition to the other topics from the earlier grades….
Recognition of the impact of media presentations that encourage sexual involvement The understanding of differences in sexual behavior
Articulated value system about interpersonal relations, including sexual behavior STD causes/cures
Contraceptive alternatives
An awareness of the potentially harmful consequences of sexual relationships An understanding of the right NOT to have sexual relations
The ability to have and maintain friends
Information on changing relationships in families
An awareness of the mixture of independence and responsibility needed at their age Reference: Anspaugh, David J. and Gene Ezell. (1998). Teaching Todays Health, 5th edition. Boston, Massachusetts: Allyn and Bacon.
Sexuality Education Resources
SIECUS – Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States www.siecus.org
SIECUS develops, collects, and disseminates information
Promotes comprehensive education about sexuality (Guidelines for Sexuality Education) Advocates the rights of individuals to make responsible sexual choices Planned Parenthood of America
www.plannedparenthood.org
Supports sexuality education through educational resources and medical services
SIECUS Key Concepts
Key Concept 1: Human Development
The interrelationship between physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth. Key Concept 2: Relationships
Relationships play a central role throughout our lives.
Key Concept 3: Personal Skills
Healthy sexuality requires the development and use of specific personal and interpersonal skills. Key Concept 4: Sexual Behavior
Sexuality is central to being human, and individuals express their sexuality in a variety of ways.
Key Concept 5: Sexual Health
The promotion of sexual health requires specific information and attitudes to avoid unwanted consequences of sexual behavior.
Key Concept 6: Society and Culture
Social and cultural environments shape the way individuals learn about and express their
sexuality.
SIECUS Developmental Levels
The levels reflect four stages of development:
Level 1: middle childhood, ages 5 through 8; early elementary school Level 2: preadolescence, ages 9 through 12; later elementary school Level 3: early adolescence, ages 12 through 15; middle school/junior high school Level 4: adolescence, ages 15 through 18; high school
SIECUS – KEY Concepts and their topics
Human Development
Relationships
Personal Skills Sexuality and Society
Sexual Behavior
Sexual Health
Society and Culture