Statement of evidence

It is widely acknowledged that high quality sexuality and sexual health education delivered by well trained and supported teachers remain the best means of educating young people about sexuality and sexual and reproductive health.

Young people nominate school programs as one of their most widely used sources for information on sexuality and sexual health. In a time where information about sexuality, sexual health and sexual behaviour is readily available to young people, but not necessarily reliable, school programs are the best infrastructure for providing students with accurate information and helping them to make decisions.

More positive outcomes result from comprehensive sexuality and sexual health programs addressing values, attitudes and feelings, linking to other related health concerns, and presenting young people with a ‘menu’ of safe sex options.

Whether or not young people choose to be sexually active, sexuality and sexual health education prioritises the acquisition and/or reinforcement of values such as reciprocity, equality, responsibility and respect, which are prerequisites for healthy and safer sexual and social relationships.

Information provided needs to be scientifically accurate and balanced, and conveyed in a way that is understandable, unambiguous, culturally relevant, gender-sensitive and age-appropriate.