Sexual health education has become a hot topic in Saskatchewan in recent years, with its merits and flaws widely discussed across the province. In 2023, the Saskatchewan government passed Bill 137, which significantly impacted sexual health education delivery. The legislation restricts the distribution of sexual health resources from third-party organizations and prevents third-party presentations in sexual education classes. Additionally, parents must be notified two weeks in advance of their child being taught sexual health content and may choose to opt their children out of the class on the day it is taught.

These legislative changes come at a time when Saskatchewan reports some of the highest provincial rates of adolescent pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), syphilis, HIV infections, and intimate partner violence. In part, these rates indicate that many residents are participating in unsafe sexual practices. These concerning statistics point to the need for effective, accurate, and ongoing sexual health education. Comprehensive and lifelong sexual health education plays a key role in addressing these trends and preparing future generations with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions.

Many people mistakenly believe that sexual health education is solely focused on sex – the physiological and psychological processes related to intercourse and sexual pleasure. However, sexual health education is actually rooted in the broader concept of sexuality, of which sex is only a small part. Sexuality encompasses gender identity, personality, values, relationships, and body image. With this in mind, sexual health education is really about promoting healthy sexuality. In sex-ed, students are taught broader concepts related to their identity, relationships, and values – not just biology.

According to the United Nations, comprehensive sexual health education is “an age-appropriate, culturally relevant approach to teaching about sex and relationships by providing scientifically accurate, realistic, non-judgemental information. […] The term comprehensive emphasizes an approach to sexuality education that encompasses the full range of information, skills, and values to enable young people to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights and to make decisions about their health and sexuality.”

The Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education, developed by SIECCAN (Sex Information & Education Council of Canada) in 2019, reinforce these global principles. They state that sexual health education in Canada should be comprehensive, accessible, inclusive (including of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations), scientifically accurate, balanced, responsive to emerging issues, and delivered by educators who possess the appropriate knowledge, skills, and administrative support.

Just like learning math or English, sexual health education is most effectively taught by building on foundational knowledge from a young age. This building block approach provides children and youth with age-appropriate information that is expanded upon in subsequent grades, allowing them to absorb knowledge over time. Introducing comprehensive sexual health education early also fosters positive attitudes and healthy decision-making in later years. When children receive accurate, evidence-based information, they are less likely to rely on unreliable sources, such as their peers or the internet, for guidance.

Research shows that when sexual health education is comprehensive, evidence-based, and delivered by well-trained, non-judgmental educators, it leads to measurable public health benefits. These include reduced rates of adolescent pregnancy and STIs, fewer risky sexual behaviours, and stronger understanding of consent, gender equality, and healthy relationships. By equipping students with accurate information and critical thinking skills, comprehensive sexual health education empowers young people to make informed, responsible decisions throughout their lives. As Saskatchewan confronts ongoing public health challenges, investing in accessible, inclusive, and science-informed sexual health education is not just beneficial – it is essential.