Sex Education In Schools Research Articles

Teachers perspectives on positive and inclusive sex education in Dutch secondary schools

Abstract Sex education in schools can play an important role in improving young people’s sexual health. Dutch youth are often dissatisfied with the sex education they receive at school; they want more attention to discussing pleasure, consent and diversity. While there have been various calls for positive and inclusive sex education over the past decade, still very few schools provide it. This study examined teachers’ perspectives on positive and inclusive sex education and documents the barriers teachers are confronted with in providing this type of sex education. Based on an online questionnaire survey of 508 sex education teachers, we examined the extent to which teachers possess the knowledge, attitudes and skills that facilitate the delivery of positive and inclusive sex education. We also held focus groups with 25 teachers from 10 schools and explored what they consider to be key barriers and best practices in teaching positive and inclusive sex education. Teachers overall have the knowledge, attitudes and skills that are needed to provide positive and inclusive sex education, but there is room for improvement, for example regarding knowledge on intersex individuals and the clitoris. Teachers experienced barriers at three levels: the personal level (e.g. personal discomfort), the classroom level (e.g., safety in the classroom) and the structural level (e.g. sex education not being part of the national curriculum; lack of time). Structural barriers seem to be at the basis of the barriers at the personal and classroom level. It is advised that positive and inclusive sex education gets a permanent place in the national curriculum. By developing concrete core objectives in the area of relationships, sexuality and diversity, for all grades, and by providing more extensive teacher training, teachers and schools will be facilitated to organize sex education in a more sustainable way. Key messages • Sex education teachers in the Netherlands desire better training to provide positive and inclusive sex education in the classroom. • Integrating sex education in the national curriculum would help teachers to address sexuality in a more sustainable way in the classroom.

The use of digital technologies to promote sexual health in young adults: a narrative review

Abstract Background New technologies have the potential to play an important role in promoting sexual health, especially among young people, who are the biggest users and those at greatest risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). The risk behavior assumed by young people today highlights this vulnerability in several contexts, such as individual, social, economic, and family. In this sense, it becomes relevant to approach sex education in schools using digital technologies. Objectives To identify the evidence in the literature on the use of digital technologies to promote the sexual health of young adults. Methods Narrative literature review. Three independent reviewers extracted, analyzed and synthesized the articles and results. Results Through the selection process, four studies were included. The articles show that the use of digital technologies (mobile phones/applications) leads to increased knowledge, improved attitudes and sexual behavior among young adults. The interventions studied in the studies were based on Short Message Service, electronic mail interventions and the MyPEEPS mobile application, with the following main focuses: Increased knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of young adults. Considering the results of the studies, all interventions proved to be effective as facilitators of sexual health promotion. Conclusions The use of digital technologies allowed an increase in the promotion of the sexual health of the participants, since there was an increase in the level of knowledge with the use of digital technologies such as SMS, emails and mobile applications when comparing the experimental and control groups. The use of these digital technologies also allowed for a change in attitudes and behaviors, such as a significant increase in serological testing for STIs and an increase in health care seeking. Key messages • The use of digital technology promotes the sexual health of young adults, so these strategies should be implemented by health professionals. • The dissemination of these digital strategies will have an impact on Public Health, specifically regarding the sexual health of young adults.

Theorising Relationships and Sex Education (rse) as a Children’s Rights Issue Using A Foucauldian Lens

Abstract This article seeks to analyse the problems with provision of Relationships and Sex Education (rse) in English schools using a Foucauldian perspective. Through this analysis, I demonstrate that the rse curriculum is used as a tool for “governing” or controlling children’s exercise of their sexuality to ensure conformity with norms, behaviours and attitudes that adults perceive children should ascribe to. However, adults tend to deny children’s developing agency and their autonomy to make decisions in relation to their sexual lives. This ignores the realities of children’s lives, in which they are exposed to sexual knowledge and information through their interactions with others, or via the internet. Using Foucault’s conceptualisation of bio-power, I argue for shifting some of the power around rse discourses from adults to children themselves, through a children’s rights-based approach. This approach to rse will ensure that the curriculum is adequate, appropriate and effective for children.

Experiences of peer educators in a high school sexual and reproductive health peer education programme in Rwanda

Background: To contribute to a reduction in teenage pregnancy among in-school adolescents in Rwanda, a sexual and reproductive health peer education programme (SRHPEP) was developed and implemented. Reflecting on the unique characteristics of this newly implemented programme, and understanding peer educators’ (PEs) and facilitators’ perspectives, can provide insights into the programme’s effectiveness and feedback to improve the programme in the future. This study explored the experiences of being a PE in the SRHPEP from the perspectives of PEs and facilitators. Design: Qualitative exploratory design. Setting: Data collection took placed in three public high schools in Rwanda. Method: Three focus group discussions (FGDs) with 22 PEs and 5 in-depth interviews with facilitators were conducted. Results: Thematic analysis identified the benefits of being a PE, including increased competence, enhanced relationships and an improved society’s understanding of sexual and reproductive health (SRH). PEs faced challenges, however, including bullying, limited resources and time constraints. A support system (comprising PEs themselves, facilitators and school leadership) and refresher training made being a PE easier. Study participants suggested allocating enough time, training larger numbers of PEs and the provision of contextually relevant educational materials to improve the programme. Conclusion: Findings from this study can be used to guide the development of future ways of strengthening the SRHPEP in schools. They can also help to ensure that PEs are adequately supported in their roles and the needs of the students are met.

Popular media’s role in fostering sex education in middle schools: A comparative analysis of Netflix series Sex Education and Bollywood film Oh My God 2

India as a country has always been seen as a repository of culture and heritage. The historical ruins, temples, scriptures of this ancient land foster liberty regarding sexuality and its significance in the advancement of civilization. However, sex education is still a taboo and an alien topic in the Indian education system. On the other hand, in the USA, one of the most advanced countries, sex education is a mandate, but sadly, there are middle schools in many states in the USA, which do not ponder over the subject at all.The reason behind this is the fact that there is no unified National Policy regarding Sex-Education in the USA, it is vested with the states individually. The USA government had been promoting ‘Abstinence-only-until-marriage’ (AOUM) education till Obama came. Even after implementing an evidence-based sex education system, the overall status of comprehensive sex education is unsatisfactory in the USA. This research aims at dealing with the issues associated with implementing and practising sex-education in the middle school and how the popular media deals with it and influences it. The paper takes into account the famous Netflix series Sex Education which is hugely applauded for its candid and inclusive approach towards sex and sexuality of teenagers and the recent bollywood film OMG2 which serves as a critique of the Indian education system which fails to provide proper knowledge on the subject and jeopardises the adolescent life.

PROJECT-RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN SEXUAL EDUCATION OF ADOLESCENTS

Background. Sexual education in schools plays a huge role in preventing deviant behavior among adolescents. Firstly, sexual education helps adolescents understand their bodies, emotions and feelings; this contributes to the formation of a healthy self-image and relationships with others. Second, knowledge about sex and sexual relationships helps prevent undesirable consequences such as early pregnancy, infections and violence. Thus, sexual education in schools is an important tool in preventing deviant behavior among adolescents, helping them develop healthy relationships, make informed decisions and avoid dangerous situations. Purpose. Is to study the role of project-research work with adolescents within the framework of sexual education as prevention of deviant behavior among adolescents. Materials and methods. To solve the identified issue, the following research methods were used: analysis of foreign and domestic sources on organizing sexual education; questionnaires, observations, analysis of the organization of project-research work and consideration of possible inclusion of deviant behavior in adolescents in the scope of preventive measures. Result. Research shows that adolescents who have completed a sex education program based on project-research activities postpone the onset of their sexual activity more often and are more responsible in their use of contraception. Project-research activities are an effective tool for achieving the goals of sex education since they allow students to actively participate, develop critical thinking and discuss sensitive topics, help adolescents understand their needs and desires, and learn to build healthy relationships.

Challenges and Needs in Implementing Sexual Education for Deaf Students: A Case Study from Indonesia

The primary aim of sex education is to provide accurate information on handling risky sexual behavior. For deaf students, who may struggle with complex concepts, effective sex education is crucial to safeguard them against sexual assault and risky sexual behavior. This study examined the implementation of sex education in special schools for the deaf in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, focusing on the challenges faced by educators in delivering this sensitive content. Utilizing a case study and qualitative methodologies, this research gathered insights from school principals and teachers who took part in group discussions. Findings reveal that deaf students face significant challenges with sexual conduct, both individually and in their interactions with others. Despite incorporating sex education into science, religion, and self-development classes, teachers encounter difficulties in addressing sensitive topics and preventing age-inappropriate behaviors. Educators require specialized educational materials to address key topics such as body awareness, physical changes, reproductive health, relationships, pregnancy, and sensitive content. Such materials must be designed with clear visual aids and simple language to effectively meet the learning needs of deaf students. There is a pressing need for resources that facilitate understanding while preventing the imitation of inappropriate behaviors. To enhance sex education for deaf students, it is essential to develop and implement tailored educational resources that use visual aids and straightforward language. By addressing the unique needs of these students, educators can more effectively convey critical information, thereby reducing the risk of inappropriate behavior.

Initiation and delivery of comprehensive sexuality education in Japanese schools

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.

Sexualita jako riziko? Sexuální výchova v českých kurikulárních dokumentech

Formal sex education and its implementation in education have been increasingly debated in recent years. In the Czech Republic, the area came to the centre of public policy interest in early 2023, when, in response to several sexual harassment cases, former Minister of Education, Mr. Balaš, expressed the need to strengthen sex education in schools. With the ongoing revision of the national Framework Educational Programme and the awareness of the lack of research coverage in this area, we consider it appropriate to look at how sex education is framed in institutional documents in the Czech Republic today. We conduct a qualitative analysis of the Recommendation of the Ministry of Education for the Implementation of Sexuality Education in Primary Schools, selected school education programmes and minimum prevention programmes. We compare these with the principles, rationale and topics articulated in the Standards for Sexuality Education in Europe, which were developed to support the implementation of holistic sexuality education. We point out significant differences in the conceptualisation of the Czech documents, particularly the normative, biologizing and risk-oriented sex education. We see the untold potential for a quality approach to sex education, which takes into account the sexual subjectivity and uniqueness of adolescents’ experience and the interactive nature of sexuality, which the Standards for Sexuality Education in Europe emphasize, in the areas of Education for Citizenship, Ethics Education or in Social and Personal Development.

Online environments, social networks and pornography: the role of teachers and managers in the provision of sex and sexuality education in Chilean schools

ABSTRACT Over the last decade, various provisions have been enshrined in law to encourage the implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Comprehensive sexuality Education in Chilean schools. However, it is unknown whether appropriate steps have been taken to advance the right to sex and sexuality education, incorporating the use of ICTs as part of existing plans. The objective of this study was to identify the role that schools and schooling might play in relation to online environments, social networks and pornography as they affect children and adolescents’ sex and sexuality education in Chile. The research took the form of a qualitative study in which 30 education professionals were interviewed to identify needs, challenges and opportunities for incorporating the use of social networks and pornography in sex and sexuality education plans. We found that teachers and school managers rarely intervene in students’ sexualised digital media consumption. While being aware of and concerned about the effects it might have, they broadly delegate responsibility to families. There is a need to create educational communities with a greater knowledge of how to spearhead innovative and participatory internal policies and practices to ensure students’ access to good quality sex and sexuality education in online environments.

Introducing comprehensive sexuality education in Italian schools: from the co-construction to the evaluation of a pilot intervention

IntroductionSchool-based comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is a powerful tool that provides young people with information on all aspects of sexuality and is aimed at protecting their sexual and reproductive health and well-being throughout their lives. Currently, CSE is not integrated within the schools’ curriculum in Italy. This study describes the co-construction, implementation, and evaluation of a CSE project piloted among students attending lower secondary schools, in four regions of Italy. Evidence-based evaluation will be helpful in promote the inclusion of CSE programs in the Italian schools’ curriculum.MethodsThe pilot scheme was co-constructed by a multidisciplinary curriculum development group through a Delphi process, including educators who conducted the activities. The evaluation followed three directions: the program (based on a literature review of CSE principles and recommended characteristics), implementation (assessing the execution of the program through the analysis of the reflection tools used by the educators), and short-term outcomes (assessing critical thinking and conscious behavioural choices through pre-post and satisfaction surveys).ResultsThe main goal, learning modules and content were defined and structured in five interventions with the students, and two with families and teachers. A total of 638 students were involved in the activity, across 11 schools. Data analysis of pre/post surveys reported a significant increase in knowledge in 12 of the 15 items investigated (p < 0.05), and a high level of satisfaction with the topics addressed. Qualitative analysis added information on the pivotal role of educators in CSE.ConclusionsThe national piloting of this educational activity provided positive insights regarding the co-construction, implementation and short-outcome evaluation, suggesting potential for scalability and future inclusion of CSE in the curricula of Italian schools.

Attitudes and perceptions of school stakeholders on comprehensive sexuality education in primary schools: A study of junior grades in Zimbabwe

This study investigates the attitudes and perceptions of school stakeholders, specifically principals and teachers, regarding the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in primary schools. It focuses on junior grades (grades 3-7) in Mashonaland in the Eastern Province of Zimbabwe. Given the increasing prevalence of child marriages, sexual abuse, and early pregnancies, delivering CSE effectively is crucial. This research uses a qualitative approach rooted in the interpretive paradigm and informed by Urie Bronfenbrenner's socio-ecological theory to explore stakeholders' perspectives on the dynamics of CSE implementation. Through a case study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve participants, including school principals and teachers, to shed light on systemic barriers that hinder effective CSE integration. These barriers include ambiguous policy frameworks, entrenched cultural beliefs, resource constraints, and inadequate training. Despite generally positive attitudes towards CSE, the study reveals persistent challenges that undermine its successful integration into the curriculum. To address these issues, the study advocates for collaborative stakeholder engagement in curriculum development, emphasising community support and ownership. Furthermore, targeted initiatives such as in-service training for principals and teachers, along with the provision of adequate teaching materials, are recommended to enhance implementation efficacy. By addressing these challenges, stakeholders—such as parents, teachers, and non-governmental organisations—can help create an enabling environment conducive to CSE in junior grades, thereby empowering learners and promoting their overall well-being.

How materialities and space–time travellings in class can breathe new life into Swedish secondary school Natural Science sexuality education

In this study, we investigate the phenomenon of Swedish Natural Science sexuality education. These classes tend to provide factual knowledge, focus on the negative outcomes of sexuality, be heteronormative and include little time for discussion—like much school sexuality education across the world—and this study aims to contribute ideas about new becomings of Natural Science sexuality education. Baradian theorising was used to explore how materialities and space and time travels within the classroom can challenge often-dominant perspectives. Data were produced in a secondary school and consist of teacher-researcher discussions and participatory observations in class. A futuristic case introduced students to spaces, times and materialities that not only helped the group move beyond a medical focus but also made the sexuality education more student centred. The participating teachers suggested imaginary lust-oriented scenarios for the 15–16-year-old students as an entrance to more preventive messages in teaching. A taken-for-granted heterosexual premise was also challenged with gender-neutral words and pronouns, an exercise on how to use both condoms and dental dams, and a time travel into future possibilities for reproduction and parenting. The acknowledgement of spacetimematter intra-activity in teaching thereby enabled new becomings of Swedish Natural Science sexuality education. However, although this study suggests how dominant medical and heterosexual perspectives can be challenged, it also made visible the absence of cultural, religious, asexuality and disability perspectives in Swedish sexuality education.

What do teachers in Romania think about children's sexual development and education?

The topic of sexuality passes for a taboo in our country even today, there being no open treatment of the subject, not even in the closest family circle. There is no sexual education in schools, while sexual enlightenment is restricted to 1-2 hours, provided at the age of 13-14. Our goal is to determine the knowledge and views of Romanian teachers on the sexual development and sexual education of children. The survey was conducted in 2022-2023 as self-filling on-line questionnaire (N=455). Our research was aimed at exacting the knowledge of Romanian kindergarten teachers, elementary school teachers and teachers on the bodily and psychic safety of children, on the factors endangering these, on various topics of sexual education, on the openness of parents related to the sexuality of their children and the flexibility of kindergartens and schools in what pertains to the introduction of sexual education. Most of our responders consider sexuality to be a natural part of a healthy life and that it should be tackled from the earliest possible ages both within the family and in educational institutions. According to the surveyed teachers, parents are reluctant to talk about sexuality to their own children and rely on sexual education in kindergartens and schools. If training on sexual education were to be introduced in Romania, most of the surveyed would gladly participate. They also recommended 27 related topics in 7 categories, all of which should all be covered by the said training. Our results called attention to the deficiency of education on reproduction. This can be improved but the task is complex. In order to solve the problem, the educational systemic view needs to change, while directives based on scientific proof need to be accepted and observed. All teachers dealing with the age-groups concerned need to take part in the educational process. Parents, teachers and educators need to be aware of the self-image developed by the child and of the effect this image has upon the evolution of the child’s future role in society. Sexual education should imperatively be incorporated into the educational process beginning with toddlers and up to young adults.

The Teenage Pregnancy Crisis in South Africa Among High School Students, Causes, Implications and Possible Solutions: A Literature Review

The objective of this paper was to examine the causes, implications, and possible solutions to the teenage pregnancy crisis in South African high schools. The paper employed a qualitative literature review using secondary data in order to answer the objective of this paper. The paper employed the Ecological Systems The theory proposed explanation for the high rate of teen pregnancy among south African high school students. The paper found that there may be a variety of ramifications from the rising incidence of teenage pregnancy among South African high school pupils. They are interrupted from progressing with their education; they may also experience health- and psychological-related risks and social distress. The paper suggested that making contraceptives more accessible should also involve providing thorough contraception counselling for young high school girls, allowing them to make informed choices. Finally, the Department of Education should consider revising subject policies to accommodate the necessary changes, such as comprehensive sex education in schools.

The implementation of compulsory relationships and sex education in English secondary schools: qualitative research in the 2022–23 school year

ABSTRACT The quality of sex education varies. In England from 2020, the government attempted to improve provision by making lessons a statutory requirement. We assessed implementation in 25 secondary schools in 2022–23, framed by May’s general theory of implementation. This identifies processes of sense-making, cognitive participation, collective action and reflexive monitoring, influenced by an intervention’s capability, stakeholder potential (individual and collective commitment), and institutional capacity (norms, and material and cognitive resources). Interview data from staff leading relationships and sex education (RSE) were coded thematically informed by May’s concepts. Those leading implementation ‘made sense’ of statutory guidance, finding it relevant and clear. ‘Cognitive participation’ among participants was strong, promoted by individual support for RSE but undermined by social norms prioritising academic attainment, limited skills among non-specialist teachers, and lack of ‘collective commitment’ among some staff and students. ‘Collective action’ varied across schools, influenced by availability of material resources and specialist staff. Schools undertook internal the ‘reflexive monitoring’ of provision, supported by school leaders’ awareness work would be assessed by government inspectors. On its own, statutory status is likely insufficient to achieve a step-change in RSE implementation. Other forms of support may be needed including training and offering support to more specialist teachers.

O-068 Educating young people about reproductive health

Abstract Comprehensive sex and reproductive health education is crucial for promoting overall health and wellbeing, as it plays a vital role in dispelling misinformation, fostering positive attitudes toward reproductive health, and empowering informed decision-making among young people. Despite its recognised importance by global entities such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), comprehensive sex and reproductive health education remains insufficient worldwide. This inadequacy is a multifaceted issue, stemming from various factors, including governmental policies, social norms, cultural beliefs, inadequate curriculum, and insufficient teacher training. Schools, as primary providers of reproductive health education, often prioritise pregnancy prevention over other important reproductive health topics, leading to significant gaps in students' knowledge, further prompting young individuals to seek supplementary knowledge from external sources, like the internet or social media. To address this disparity and to promote reproductive health awareness, the International Reproductive Health Education Collaboration (IRHEC) was established in 2019 and aims to provide educational resources for the public, teachers and health professionals. The IRHEC have created a teaching guide specifically for teachers to cover all aspects of reproductive health, to be used in schools globally. To develop this resource, it has been essential to determine what is taught in schools and the attitudes of teenagers to reproductive health education and family building. In the UK, we examined the curriculum in the four nations and huge gaps were identified in reproductive health education. Subsequently, a survey was conducted with 931, 16–18-year-olds in England and pupils were asked their views on their education, if they had been taught about a list of reproductive health topics in school and their attitudes to these topics. They reported that topics around pregnancy prevention were taught, such as contraception (90%), and sexually transmitted infections (90%) but key subjects such as fertility (30%) endometriosis (3%) and PCOS (2%) were not taught. This survey has been repeated in Belgium, Greece and Japan and similar patterns observed. Teenagers in the UK (21%) and Belgium (18%) rated their school sex and reproductive health education to be either poor or very poor compared to teenagers in Japan (3%). In the UK, Belgium, and Japan, young people have similar future parenthood intentions. Most young people in the UK (64%), Japan (60%), and Belgium (60%) want to have children in the future. A higher percentage of young people in Japan (70%) expressed a desire for two children compared to those in Belgium (60%), Greece (53%) and the UK (49%). To ensure comprehensive sex and reproductive health education, efforts must be tailored to the needs of each community and demographic. Collaboration among policymakers, educators, healthcare professionals, and communities is essential to enhance school curricula to include a broader spectrum of reproductive health topics and promote culturally sensitive educational approaches. By doing this, we can empower young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate their reproductive health journey with confidence. There is an urgent need for a concerted action to bridge knowledge gaps and ensure that young people receive comprehensive sex and reproductive health education.

O-109 Reproductive health education: collaborative design of a learning platform for secondary school education involving reproductive health experts, pupils, and teachers

Abstract Study question Which reproductive health information do pupils miss in their education and what is the optimal way of building a learning platform to close that gap? Summary answer Teachers and students alike would welcome a novel fertility education platform. Ideally, the platform should organize information based on the educational objectives for enhanced usability. What is known already Research on fertility awareness in the general population reveals lack of understanding among young people regarding crucial aspects of reproductive health, for example the age-related impact on fertility. Literature suggests that this knowledge gap should be addressed through diverse channels, including schools. Presently, school sexual education predominantly concentrates on preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Notably, the updated educational objectives in Flemish Secondary Education have recently incorporated the influence of lifestyle factors on fertility. Consequently, teachers have been urged to create novel instructional materials centered on this crucial theme. Study design, size, duration This mixed-method observational study encompassed a baseline measurement with open and closed questions among 1700 third-grade secondary education pupils. Additionally, it involved focus group discussions with 6 teachers and 24 pupils. The baseline measurement occurred between February and April 2022, while the focus group interviews took place in April and May 2022. Participants/materials, setting, methods A baseline measurement examined the knowledge of secondary school pupils aged between 15 and 19 years in Flanders (Belgium), explored current sexual education topics, their evaluations, and preferences for future reproductive health education. Focus group discussions investigated optimal delivery methods and structural frameworks for fertility learning materials. Main results and the role of chance Survey results revealed that most pupils desired more information on reproductive issues, with some expressing a preference for a dedicated weekly course. Over 50% noted the absence of discussions about infertility, IVF, and egg freezing topics in school and expressed a desire for more information, a sentiment that was echoed in the focus groups with pupils. Teachers, in their focus groups, favored an online platform with structured teaching materials aligned with learning goals. With anticipated new learning goals by September 2023, teachers welcomed fertility-specific learning materials. Their preference went out to versatile resources (videos, quizzes, infographics) rather than ready-made courses or presentations, providing flexibility in lesson integration. Considering these insights, the following platform was developed: www.allesovervruchtbaarheid.be/en. Ongoing refinement occurred through workshops where teachers provided feedback for further enhancements to meet their instructional needs. Limitations, reasons for caution A limited number of motivated teachers participated in the focus group discussions. Structured feedback collection has not taken place yet but is scheduled for February 2024. Wider implications of the findings Implementing fertility education in secondary schools poses challenges due to an overloaded curriculum. The introduction of new learning goals, including one on the impact of lifestyle on fertility, provided an opportune momentum to integrate a fertility education learning platform. Trial registration number not applicable

It's more than just beating teen pregnancy: Incentivizing comprehensive sex education programs in the United States

AbstractCurrently in the United States, many states provide abstinence only education to students, if sexual education is mandatory at all. This is largely because of the 2017 policy that redirected funding through grants from comprehensive sexual education to abstinence only education. This Note proposes that the current administration redirect the money back to comprehensive sexual education policies that were productive during the early 2010s. The federal government should also provide a level‐based curriculum to states to ease the implementation of comprehensive sexual education in schools.

Factors Affecting the Expected Outcomes of Implementing Comprehensive Sexuality Education on Learners in Rural Public Secondary Schools of Muchinga Province of Zambia

The study was focused on the factors affecting the expected outcomes of implementing Comprehensive Sexuality Education in rural public secondary schools of Muchinga province of Zambia. The main objectives was to identify factors that affects the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education. The research employed Qualitative method. It used interpretivism paradigm. It employed descriptive design which described the state of affairs of Comprehensive Sexuality Education as it existed at the time when the research was conducted. The study sample comprised of headteachers, teachers, parents and learners with the total number of 384. It employed three instruments namely; semi structured interviews for headteachers, teachers, parents and learners, the close ended questionnaires administered on teachers, parents and learners whereas observation checklist was on used to teachers and learners. The study identified various factors for implementing Comprehensive Sexuality Education such as; learners having difficulties in sharing experiences to friends who have already been exposed to unhealthy and unsafe sexual experiences, inaccurate information on sexuality matters found on social media, difficulty in understanding some sexuality terms in English, being uncomfortable when learning about private parts which sounds like insults, learners fail to abstain from sexual intercourse after learning instead they opted to experiment what they were learning, inappropriate dress code among some female learners and teachers, inappropriate cultural and traditional practices, such as elopement. Parents who have difficulties in understanding why their children are learning Comprehensive Sexuality Education should be counselled and sensitized by school leaders. It is highly recommended that, the government should develop a deliberate policy of teaching Comprehensive Sexuality Education as a standalone subject and intensify the training of teachers in Comprehensive Sexuality Education using cascading model during in-service and pre-service trainings. The future recommendation from this study was that, A research on exploring the factors affecting the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education and its expected outcomes in selected rural public secondary schools of Muchinga province of Zambia would be worthwise in order to establish the expected outcomes on learners. The same research should be conducted in other rural settings of Muchinga Province.