Relationships and Sexuality Education
We live in an age and environment of highly sexualised images from the media, particularly magazines, the internet, movies, advertising and marketing of all sorts of products through a variety of media. These images can have a strong influence on the development of attitudes, values, beliefs and behaviours of young people, and society at large.
Much of the education provided in the past has been limited to information to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Relationships and sexuality education is much more than just knowledge.
The World Health Organization (1998) states that:
Young people need to learn to:
- Make sound decisions about relationships and sex and have the confidence to stand up for those decisions;
- Develop the skills to negotiate regarding sex, including safety and refusal skills;
- Have the insight to recognise situations that might turn risky or violent, and know how to avoid them and how to deal with them if they do arise;
- Know how and where to ask for help and support should that be needed.
Research shows that when young people have information about relationships, sex, sexuality and sexual health, they are more likely to make decisions which keep them safe and happy.
The theme of these sessions is about developing healthy relationships, and positive social and emotional health. Relationships, gender roles and stereotyping, puberty, sexual health, parents talking to children are just some of the topics explored in these workshops. Topics and interactive strategies are customised to suit the specific audience. These audiences may include parents, teachers, nurses, youth workers, young people and others.