How to Talk about Sex With Your Students
How to Teach a Unit on Sexual Health
Be prepared and review curriculum materials ahead of time. Beyond the Basics: A Sourcebook in Sexual and Reproductive Health Education provides excellent teaching tools and techniques.
Seek support from a mentor (a more experienced teacher, public health nurse, staff member of your local Canadian Federation for Sexual Health member). It is important that to ensure that guest speakers are comfortable and confident providing comprehensive sexuality education (i.e. not just focusing on one aspect of sexual and reproductive health).
Acknowledge any awkwardness you may feel teaching the subject. Knowing that it is a difficult topic for everyone to discuss will make students feel more comfortable.
Although values are personal and are influenced by family, friends, school, media, culture, religion and our own experiences and perceptions, there are universal messages that can be shared:
- Respect of self and others
- Fair treatment of people
- Equality of all people
- Honesty
Encourage students to respect the values and experiences of each person in the room, so that each person can discuss their views openly and honestly.
If you don’t know the answer to a question, tell the class that you will get back to them with the answer later. Make sure you follow-up right away.
Involve Parents
Most Canadian parents are in favour of their children receiving sexual and reproductive health education. It is important to inform and involve parents in the curriculum. You can do this by:
- sending a letter home that describes the curriculum. Remind them that this is a mandated subject, and that they may “opt out”
- showing them the materials you are using
- providing information about where to get follow-up materials
- organizing an information session for parents about talking to their children about sexuality
Creating a safe space
- Use a comfortable space (a lounge if possible)
- Change the seating to facilitate discussions (U shape, circles, small groups, etc.)
- Stay in the room if you invite a guest speaker
- Make community resource listings, pamphlets, magazines and posters available in an accessible place. Bookmark related websites on the class computer
- Use icebreaker activities
- Use gender-neutral and inclusive language
- Turn instances of homophobia, racism, sexism, etc. into teachable moments in order to address discrimination
- Develop and post ground rules together with students to give structure, clarify expectations and help avoid difficult situations.
How do I support my students?
Do your best to listen to what the student is saying to you. Try not to judge them or tell them what they should be doing. Be supportive and give them as much information as you can. If you are unable to answer their questions or they request they more information, refer them to your local Canadian Federation for Sexual Health member. If a student under the age of 16 discloses abuse, you are required by law to report to a child protection agency such as the Children’s Aid Society (CAS).
Youth friendly websites
Spiderbytes
Condomania
Sexualityandu