Why is it important?
Children and young people are naturally curious. Many students wonder about 'where they came from' before they reach school. Many students will also make the link between reproduction and sexual pleasure in the primary school years.
Sex can be a source of pleasure for many people. Communicating openly about sexuality and respecting young people’s autonomy enables them to feel positive about their choices. This strives to achieve positive and ideal sexual experiences rather than solely working to prevent negative experiences. Applying this concept allows young people to discriminate between positive sexual attitudes and behaviours and those that are harmful to self and/or others. It encourages students to enjoy sexual feelings without acting on them and engage in sexual relationships when ready that are consensual, non-exploitative, honest, pleasurable, and protected.
Sex positivity celebrates sexuality as an enhancing part of life that brings happiness, energy and celebration and recognises young people’s rights to express their thoughts, opinions, needs and desires related to sexuality.
Sub-elements of sexual behaviour
- Sexuality throughout life –sexuality is a natural and healthy part of life.
- Expressing sexuality. – people express their sexuality in various ways.
- Sexual behaviour and sexual response – people respond differently to feelings and attraction and can express their sexuality with and without a partner in diverse ways.
- Sexual abstinence – abstinence from sexual intercourse is the most effective method of preventing pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.