Sex Education

Implementing Sex Education

So you have volunteered to teach sex education in your school or program … or perhaps you have been “drafted” to do so … or maybe you see an obvious gap in information about this topic and feel compelled to do the right thing? Whatever reason brings you to this place, you are about to undertake an exciting, valuable, necessary, and complex journey.

Many educators feel anxious or tentative in tackling the topics of sex, sexuality, and sexual health. They may feel overwhelmed about where to start or confused about what to teach and when to teach it. Planned Parenthood is here to help. As the nation’s oldest and most trusted provider of sexual health care, and with a national network of sexuality educators, we can help you advocate for comprehensive, medically accurate sexuality education in your school or program. We can also help you develop or choose a curriculum and implement it with confidence.

Planned Parenthood believes that parents and guardians should be the primary sexuality educators of their children. As with other complex issues, many parents may need support, resources, and expertise from schools and other organizations. It is important that young people receive age-appropriate sexual health information and develop practical skills for keeping healthy. Educators can help families by providing culturally meaningful learning opportunities in safe and nonjudgmental environments so that young people can learn about sexuality in a healthy and positive context.

Who Supports Sex Education in School?

Public opinion polls show that most Americans support sex education. Parents and students want sexuality education to be taught in our schools. National surveys underscore parental support for school-based sexuality education. For example, a 2004 survey conducted by National Public Radio, the Henry Kaiser Family Foundation, and the Kennedy School of Government documented that more than 90 percent of parents support sexuality...