The formal and informal learning about the biological, sociological, psychological, spiritual, and interpersonal aspects of human sexuality.
Teaching children about their own sexuality, its joys and hazards and its place in human life. Traditionally children picked up information about sexuality in bits and pieces, not in any formal way, and only in the rarest circumstances from their parents or any knowledgeable person; in fact, as often as not, what they got was misinformation. In many families and communities, this state of affairs still exists. But the events of the past few decades—the revolution in sexual habits, the enormous increase in adolescent pregnancy, and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including the deadly threat of aids—have made it dangerously outmoded.
Also called sexuality education. Courses given to children and adolescents by a school or community group to provide an opportunity for young people to learn about sexuality and how it can affect their lives. A comprehensive sex education curriculum typically incorporates topics related to human sexuality including growth and development, human reproduction, anatomy, physiology, masturbation, sexual response, sexual orientation, contraception, and abstinence.
Information given to children and young adults about sexual relationships. Evidence suggests that young people want more information about the emotional aspects of sexual relationships, and about homosexuality and AIDS/HIV. There is growing concern about sexual risk taking behaviour among adolescents, many of whom feel that sex education was provided too late for them. Although most parents or guardians provide some guidance by the age of 16, friends, magazines, television and films are a more significant source of information. Schools have been targeted as a place to address and possibly limit risky behaviour because they are geared towards increasing knowledge and improving skills, and have a captive audience of young people. There are concerns that the conditions in schools may not be ideal: class time is limited; teachers are often not trained in handling sensitive subjects; and considerable controversy surrounds teaching about subjects such as homosexuality.