How To Talk About Sex With Teachers
Sex is not always an easy subject to talk about with parents, health care providers or teachers. It is OK to feel uncomfortable, embarrassed and scared to talk about sex. No matter what your question is, it is your right to ask and your right to become informed.
Know who you want to talk to
Teachers can be important sources of information about sex and sexuality. They can offer you a different perspective, point you in the direction of good resources and information, and support you to make healthy decisions. It’s important to ask a teacher you feel comfortable with and trust. When you approach that teacher, tell them that you’re coming to them in confidence, because you trust them, and you don’t want them to share what you discuss with anyone else.
Be prepared
Think about the question you want to ask. If you are comfortable, discuss your question or ideas with your peers, maybe they are curious about the same issues. Write down your questions in advance so you don’t forget them. And bring a pen and paper to jot down answers and take notes.
Asking your teacher
There are different ways you can ask your teacher a question.
- Meet with your teacher in a space where you feel comfortable.
- Write a letter to your teacher including your question in the letter and leave it in your teacher’s mailbox.
- Ask your teacher if you can have a question box in the class and then use it.
- Talk to your parent/guardian about asking your teacher the question.
- Have a friend ask or ask the question with a friend.
Pick a good time and place
If you ask your teacher a question face-face, make sure that you choose a good time for her/him. You may want to arrange a meeting with your teacher. This can help ensure enough time for your teacher to think through your question and then discuss it with you. It’s important to have your teacher’s undivided attention, so you want to make sure there won’t be any distractions. Pick a place to talk that’s private and comfortable for you.
Meeting with your teacher
Bring your list of questions and take notes so you can refer to the information later. As you discuss your question, there may be other questions or issues that come up. If you feel comfortable, ask these additional questions right away. If your teacher indicates that she/he doesn’t know the answer to your question, ask them to refer to you a youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health organization in your community. Remember that your teacher may not necessarily be comfortable discussing sexual and reproductive health issues or have all the answers.
Bring a friend with you
You may want to bring a friend for moral support or to share the responsibility of asking your question. This can be helpful, especially if you don’t absorb everything your teacher says. Your friend can fill in the blanks when you talk about it later.
Say thank-you
Say thank-you to show your teacher that you appreciate their time, knowledge and the role they play in your life. Saying thank-you will also be a positive end to a conversation that may have been difficult at times.
Have more questions?
If you want more information about a certain issue ask your teacher if she/he to refer you to youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health organizations in your community or if they know of reliable and trustworthy online information sources. You can contact your local Canadian Federation for Sexual Health member for more information.