Initiation and delivery of comprehensive sexuality education in Japanese schools

Abstract

ABSTRACT Access to good quality comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), while a fundamental right, is not provided everywhere. In Japan, children lack knowledge and skills relevant to their sexual and reproductive health and rights as CSE is not mandatory. Moreover, because of political intervention, the existing curriculum is insufficient, and teachers and schools are limited in providing CSE. This study explored the factors associated with the initiation and provision of CSE in Japan. A convenience sample of 251 school teachers was surveyed using a self-completed questionnaire. The teachers were asked about views and experiences related to CSE. Notably, 163 (64.9%) teachers reported experience delivering such education because their school had implemented CSE (67 out of 163, 41.1%) or their colleagues had invited them to do so (32, 19.6%). Membership in agroup that promotes CSE practice, having ≥ 20 years of teaching experience, and acknowledging the negative impact of an inadequate curriculum and political criticisms on CSE were strongly associated with the provision of CSE. Our study findings suggest that inviting new teachers and developing a positive environment is critical to increasing the provision of CSE, and criticism from conservative politicians cannot prevent teachers from doing so.