Sexual Health and Risk Education

Abstract

Abstract Sexual health and risk education has historically focused on gathering knowledge on practicing safe sexual behaviors, devoid of risks such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy. Recent research on sexual health education extends the conversation beyond risky sexual behaviors to include skills for having pleasurable and aesthetic sexual experience. Public schools have functioned as the primary platforms where adolescents and children get information about sexual health. However, despite the inclusion of sexual health and risk education in the public school curriculum, STIs are still on a steady increase across the world. Communication scholars have begun to explore other ways that individuals get informed about healthy sexual behaviors and practices. These include sexual health and risk education through public health campaigns (mass media), storytelling, information on the Internet and social media, and parental communication.