Sexual Health Information for Educators

The Canadian Guidelines on Sexual Health Education state that sexual health education is a broadly based, community-supported process that requires the full participation of educational, medical, public health, social welfare, and legal institutions in our society. Effective sexual health education maintains an open and nondiscriminatory dialogue that respects individual beliefs. It is sensitive to the diverse needs of individuals irrespective of their age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, physical/cognitive abilities, and religious background. For more information about these Guidelines, please visit www.sieccan.org.

Why is sexual health education important for Saskatchewan youth?

Saskatchewan youth have high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies, and provincial rates of sexualized violence are among the highest in the country. These rates indicate that youth are participating in unsafe sexual behaviours. Effective sexual health education is an important tool to address potential gaps in knowledge and to help ensure that youth have the information and skills they need to make informed decisions about their sexual health.

Sexual health education is recognized as a right for all people.

The World Health Organization states that all people should be provided with the information, motivation, and behavioural skills needed to enhance their sexual health and avoid negative sexual health outcomes. Saskatchewan youth have reported that sexual health education is important to them, and over half have indicated that they are not satisfied with the sexual health education they have received (SAYCW, 2019).

Comprehensive Sexual Health Education

Focuses on both the enhancement of sexual health and well-being (e.g., healthy relationships, consent, increasing self-acceptance) and the prevention of negative outcomes (e.g., STI transmission, unintended pregnancy, sexual and gender-based violence).
Explains the benefits of delaying sex until youth are emotionally and physically ready, while also ensuring they are taught how to protect themselves when they do decide to have sex.
Teaches that sexuality is a healthy, normal, and natural part of life and well-being in order to reduce stigma and other social barriers to healthcare and empowered decision-making.
Empowers youth to make informed, autonomous decisions while also respecting the decisions of others.
Is not associated with increased participation in sexual behaviours or number of sexual partners.

Associated positive outcomes:

Increased knowledge about sexual behaviour and its consequences
Reduction in high-risk behaviours and reduced risk of HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancy
Delay of first intercourse
Increased condom and overall contraceptive use

Importance of Sexual Health Education in Schools

Schools are the only formal education institution to have meaningful (and mandatory) contact with nearly every young person. It is for this reason that schools are in a unique position to provide children, adolescents, and young adults with the knowledge, understanding, and skills required for them to make and act upon decisions that promote sexual health throughout their lives. Teachers are well-positioned to provide sexual health education because they are seen as trusted sources of information and often serve as role models, advocates, and mentors. Importantly, research has shown that well-planned and implemented sexual health education in schools works.

Characteristics of Effective Sexual Health Education

Be comprehensive by incorporating the necessary information, motivation, and skills to effectively carry out and maintain behaviours that promote sexual health.
Provide evidence-based, relevant, functional, and practical knowledge on a broad range of topics related to sexual health and well-being and discuss behaviours that lead to both positive (e.g., communication and consent) and negative (e.g., unprotected sex) sexual health outcomes.
Balance messaging about the positive aspects of sexual health with prevention messages related to sexual limit-setting and harm reduction (e.g., delaying first intercourse, choosing not to have intercourse, consistent condom use, regular STI testing, accessing sexual health services); consistently reinforce this messaging.
Provide clear examples and opportunities to practice sexual limit-setting, condom use negotiation, and other communication skills so that students are active participants.
Tailor information to meet students’ needs, developmental stage, ability, cultural background, and sexual orientation or gender identity whenever possible, and consult students to assess whether the information is meeting their needs.
Be accessible, both in terms of the availability of information and services and in terms of taking different needs into account.
Provide educators with effective pre-service and in-service education, high-quality teaching materials, administrative support, and sufficient time to achieve learning objectives with students.

Other Factors for Success

Teaching and learning materials should include a variety of formats (e.g., print, media, and technology-based alternatives; group work).
Be inclusive and do not assume that students are heterosexual or identify with their gender at birth; understand that not all bodies fit the traditional biological definitions of male/female.
Inform students of their human rights; promote autonomous decision-making and respect for the rights of others.
Use a trauma-informed approach and promote gender equity and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence (e.g., discuss power dynamics, verbal/non-verbal consent).
Include activities that address social pressures influencing youth sexual behaviour, including peer and partner pressures.
Increase awareness of and access to preventive health services and information (e.g., include activities where youth visit health clinics, pharmacies, and other places that offer sexual health services).
As an educator, take part in opportunities to increase knowledge and skills related to the delivery of sexual health education.
Obtain input from youth with respect to their needs and wants for sexual health education.
According to research studies, youth want education on a variety of topics, including: STIs, dealing with peer pressure, sexual decision-making and communication, healthy relationships, sexual coercion and sexual assault, adolescent pregnancy and parenting, sexual behaviour, sexual orientation, diverse identities, and abstinence.
Recognize and examine external factors that may impact an individual’s ability to enhance and maintain their sexual health (e.g., social determinants of health, access to services and resources); this can help increase capacity to navigate potential barriers.

2SLGBTQ+ Inclusive Sexual Health Education

All youth deserve education that supports and empowers them to make healthy, informed decisions about their relationships and their bodies. Education that is inclusive to sexually and gender diverse youth is an important protective factor that can enhance health and well-being, reduce risk and discrimination, and can help ensure all sexually and gender diverse youth experience a positive and healthy transition into adulthood. To learn more about inclusive comprehensive sexual health education and to access related resources, visit: Supporting the Sexual Health of Sexually and Gender Diverse Youth.

Disabilities and Sexual Health Education

Young people living with disabilities experience the same physical and emotional changes, the same desire for human connection, and the same sexual curiosity that other young people experience. However, students with disabilities typically have less access to the important information that comprehensive sexual health education provides. It is vital that children, adolescents, and young adults with disabilities are provided with accurate, comprehensive sexual health education that is reflective of their experiences. For more information about the importance of sexual health education for young people with disabilities, and strategies for effective education, visit: Sexual Health Education for Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities. For resources specific to sexual health education for people with disabilities, visit: www.parentcenterhub.org/sexed/.

Teaching Comprehensive Sexual Health Education in Saskatchewan – Curriculum Support Documents

The following information highlights the importance of comprehensive sexual health education for each age group. The downloadable PDFs connect sexual health topics to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education Curriculum outcomes. Topics and outcomes are separated into the following categories: 1) Healthy Relationships and Consent; 2) Reproductive Health and Anatomy; 3) Diversity, Identity, Rights, and Values; and 4) Technology and Digital Literacy. Saskatchewan Prevention Institute resources for teachers, students, and parents are included for each topic, along with helpful external resources.

The Saskatchewan Health Curriculum outcomes and indicators can be accessed at: www.curriculum.gov.sk.ca.

Early Elementary School Years (Grades 1-3)

Comprehensive sexual health education during early school years encourages attitudes, behaviours, and values that promote safety, healthy relationships, and positive communication; satisfies early curiosity; builds a fact-based foundation for topics children will encounter in later years; and helps to prevent violence and victimization. Providing age-appropriate information and fostering positive attitudes at early stages is vital for the process of scaffolded learning. It also promotes positive attitudes and healthy decision-making in later years.

Middle Years (Grades 4-6)

Preparing students in their middle years for the experiences and challenges of puberty is essential for reducing the turbulence of this period of change. Youth in this age group experience increased interest in romance and sexuality, as well as increased understanding of self-identity and values. Prevention education during this period is an effective strategy that ensures young people have the knowledge, skills, and resiliency they need to interpret information, make healthy decisions, and prevent negative outcomes before engaging in risky behaviours.

Older Years (Grades 7+)

Older youth increasingly explore relationships and their own sexuality, making education that focuses on overall well-being and the prevention of negative outcomes particularly important. Youth who receive accurate information from trusted sources are more likely to have the skills and attitudes required for healthy communication, boundaries, and relationships, and are more likely to make healthier decisions.

Teaching Sex-Ed Webinar Series

The following webinars may be of interest to those providing sexual health education. Many of the topics important for comprehensive sexual health education are covered by these webinars.

Title	Presented by:	Link
Comprehensive Sex Ed: A Foundation for Building Bright Futures	Dr. Nadine Thornhill, co-creator of Every Body Curious	Access recording
STIs & Contraception	Natalya Mason, Education and Outreach Coordinator, Saskatoon Sexual Health	Access recording
Anti-Racist Sex Ed	Natalya Mason and Delilah Kamuhanda, Saskatoon Sexual Health	Access recording
Digital Literacy Skills	Matthew Johnson, Director of Education, MediaSmarts.ca	Access recording
Human Sexuality 101	Natalya Mason, Education and Outreach Coordinator, Saskatoon Sexual Health	Access recording
Facilitation Skills	Dr. Nadine Thornhill, co-creator of Every Body Curious	Access recording
Understanding Sexualized Violence	Morgan Price, Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre	Access recording
Teaching Sex-Ed: 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusive Sex-Ed	Natalya Mason, Education and Outreach Coordinator, Saskatoon Sexual Health	Access recording
Teaching Sex-Ed for People with Developmental Disabilities	Natalya Mason, Saskatoon Sexual Health Kirby Brigden, Inclusion Saskatchewan Kristyn White, Creative Options Regina	Access recording

Educator-Specific Information and Resources

The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute has a number of evidence-based resources available for educators and parents. For a list of these resources, please click here.

Sexual Health Information for Educators

The Canadian Guidelines on Sexual Health Education state that sexual health education is a broadly based, community-supported process that requires the full participation of educational, medical, public health, social welfare, and legal institutions in our society. Effective sexual health education maintains an open and nondiscriminatory dialogue that respects individual beliefs. It is sensitive to the diverse needs of individuals irrespective of their age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, physical/cognitive abilities, and religious background. For more information about these Guidelines, please visit www.sieccan.org.

Why is sexual health education important for Saskatchewan youth?

Saskatchewan youth have high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies, and provincial rates of sexualized violence are among the highest in the country. These rates indicate that youth are participating in unsafe sexual behaviours. Effective sexual health education is an important tool to address potential gaps in knowledge and to help ensure that youth have the information and skills they need to make informed decisions about their sexual health.

Sexual health education is recognized as a right for all people.

The World Health Organization states that all people should be provided with the information, motivation, and behavioural skills needed to enhance their sexual health and avoid negative sexual health outcomes. Saskatchewan youth have reported that sexual health education is important to them, and over half have indicated that they are not satisfied with the sexual health education they have received (SAYCW, 2019).

Comprehensive Sexual Health Education

Focuses on both the enhancement of sexual health and well-being (e.g., healthy relationships, consent, increasing self-acceptance) and the prevention of negative outcomes (e.g., STI transmission, unintended pregnancy, sexual and gender-based violence).
Explains the benefits of delaying sex until youth are emotionally and physically ready, while also ensuring they are taught how to protect themselves when they do decide to have sex.
Teaches that sexuality is a healthy, normal, and natural part of life and well-being in order to reduce stigma and other social barriers to healthcare and empowered decision-making.
Empowers youth to make informed, autonomous decisions while also respecting the decisions of others.
Is not associated with increased participation in sexual behaviours or number of sexual partners.

Associated positive outcomes:

Increased knowledge about sexual behaviour and its consequences
Reduction in high-risk behaviours and reduced risk of HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancy
Delay of first intercourse
Increased condom and overall contraceptive use

Importance of Sexual Health Education in Schools

Schools are the only formal education institution to have meaningful (and mandatory) contact with nearly every young person. It is for this reason that schools are in a unique position to provide children, adolescents, and young adults with the knowledge, understanding, and skills required for them to make and act upon decisions that promote sexual health throughout their lives. Teachers are well-positioned to provide sexual health education because they are seen as trusted sources of information and often serve as role models, advocates, and mentors. Importantly, research has shown that well-planned and implemented sexual health education in schools works.

Characteristics of Effective Sexual Health Education

Be comprehensive by incorporating the necessary information, motivation, and skills to effectively carry out and maintain behaviours that promote sexual health.
Provide evidence-based, relevant, functional, and practical knowledge on a broad range of topics related to sexual health and well-being and discuss behaviours that lead to both positive (e.g., communication and consent) and negative (e.g., unprotected sex) sexual health outcomes.
Balance messaging about the positive aspects of sexual health with prevention messages related to sexual limit-setting and harm reduction (e.g., delaying first intercourse, choosing not to have intercourse, consistent condom use, regular STI testing, accessing sexual health services); consistently reinforce this messaging.
Provide clear examples and opportunities to practice sexual limit-setting, condom use negotiation, and other communication skills so that students are active participants.
Tailor information to meet students’ needs, developmental stage, ability, cultural background, and sexual orientation or gender identity whenever possible, and consult students to assess whether the information is meeting their needs.
Be accessible, both in terms of the availability of information and services and in terms of taking different needs into account.
Provide educators with effective pre-service and in-service education, high-quality teaching materials, administrative support, and sufficient time to achieve learning objectives with students.

Other Factors for Success

Teaching and learning materials should include a variety of formats (e.g., print, media, and technology-based alternatives; group work).
Be inclusive and do not assume that students are heterosexual or identify with their gender at birth; understand that not all bodies fit the traditional biological definitions of male/female.
Inform students of their human rights; promote autonomous decision-making and respect for the rights of others.
Use a trauma-informed approach and promote gender equity and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence (e.g., discuss power dynamics, verbal/non-verbal consent).
Include activities that address social pressures influencing youth sexual behaviour, including peer and partner pressures.
Increase awareness of and access to preventive health services and information (e.g., include activities where youth visit health clinics, pharmacies, and other places that offer sexual health services).
As an educator, take part in opportunities to increase knowledge and skills related to the delivery of sexual health education.
Obtain input from youth with respect to their needs and wants for sexual health education.
According to research studies, youth want education on a variety of topics, including: STIs, dealing with peer pressure, sexual decision-making and communication, healthy relationships, sexual coercion and sexual assault, adolescent pregnancy and parenting, sexual behaviour, sexual orientation, diverse identities, and abstinence.
Recognize and examine external factors that may impact an individual’s ability to enhance and maintain their sexual health (e.g., social determinants of health, access to services and resources); this can help increase capacity to navigate potential barriers.

Disabilities and Sexual Health Education

Young people living with disabilities experience the same physical and emotional changes, the same desire for human connection, and the same sexual curiosity that other young people experience. However, students with disabilities typically have less access to the important information that comprehensive sexual health education provides. It is vital that children, adolescents, and young adults with disabilities are provided with accurate, comprehensive sexual health education that is reflective of their experiences. For more information about the importance of sexual health education for young people with disabilities, and strategies for effective education, visit: Sexual Health Education for Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities. For resources specific to sexual health education for people with disabilities, visit: www.parentcenterhub.org/sexed/.

Teaching Comprehensive Sexual Health Education in Saskatchewan – Curriculum Support Documents

The following information highlights the importance of comprehensive sexual health education for each age group. The downloadable PDFs connect sexual health topics to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education Curriculum outcomes. Topics and outcomes are separated into the following categories: 1) Healthy Relationships and Consent; 2) Reproductive Health and Anatomy; 3) Diversity, Identity, Rights, and Values; and 4) Technology and Digital Literacy. Saskatchewan Prevention Institute resources for teachers, students, and parents are included for each topic, along with helpful external resources.

The Saskatchewan Health Curriculum outcomes and indicators can be accessed at: www.curriculum.gov.sk.ca.

Early Elementary School Years (Grades 1-3)

Comprehensive sexual health education during early school years encourages attitudes, behaviours, and values that promote safety, healthy relationships, and positive communication; satisfies early curiosity; builds a fact-based foundation for topics children will encounter in later years; and helps to prevent violence and victimization. Providing age-appropriate information and fostering positive attitudes at early stages is vital for the process of scaffolded learning. It also promotes positive attitudes and healthy decision-making in later years.

Middle Years (Grades 4-6)

Preparing students in their middle years for the experiences and challenges of puberty is essential for reducing the turbulence of this period of change. Youth in this age group experience increased interest in romance and sexuality, as well as increased understanding of self-identity and values. Prevention education during this period is an effective strategy that ensures young people have the knowledge, skills, and resiliency they need to interpret information, make healthy decisions, and prevent negative outcomes before engaging in risky behaviours.

Older Years (Grades 7+)

Older youth increasingly explore relationships and their own sexuality, making education that focuses on overall well-being and the prevention of negative outcomes particularly important. Youth who receive accurate information from trusted sources are more likely to have the skills and attitudes required for healthy communication, boundaries, and relationships, and are more likely to make healthier decisions.

Teaching Sex-Ed Webinar Series

The following webinars may be of interest to those providing sexual health education. Many of the topics important for comprehensive sexual health education are covered by these webinars.

Title	Presented by:	Link
Comprehensive Sex Ed: A Foundation for Building Bright Futures	Dr. Nadine Thornhill, co-creator of Every Body Curious	Access recording
STIs & Contraception	Natalya Mason, Education and Outreach Coordinator, Saskatoon Sexual Health	Access recording
Anti-Racist Sex Ed	Natalya Mason and Delilah Kamuhanda, Saskatoon Sexual Health	Access recording
Digital Literacy Skills	Matthew Johnson, Director of Education, MediaSmarts.ca	Access recording
Human Sexuality 101	Natalya Mason, Education and Outreach Coordinator, Saskatoon Sexual Health	Access recording
Facilitation Skills	Dr. Nadine Thornhill, co-creator of Every Body Curious	Access recording
Understanding Sexualized Violence	Morgan Price, Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre	Access recording
Teaching Sex-Ed: 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusive Sex-Ed	Natalya Mason, Education and Outreach Coordinator, Saskatoon Sexual Health	Access recording
Teaching Sex-Ed for People with Developmental Disabilities	Natalya Mason, Saskatoon Sexual Health Kirby Brigden, Inclusion Saskatchewan Kristyn White, Creative Options Regina	Access recording

Educator-Specific Information and Resources

The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute has a number of evidence-based resources available for educators and parents. For a list of these resources, please click here.

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Sexual Health Information for Educators

Why is sexual health education important for Saskatchewan youth?

Sexual health education is recognized as a right for all people.

Comprehensive Sexual Health Education

Associated positive outcomes:

Importance of Sexual Health Education in Schools

Characteristics of Effective Sexual Health Education

Other Factors for Success

2SLGBTQ+ Inclusive Sexual Health Education

Disabilities and Sexual Health Education

Teaching Comprehensive Sexual Health Education in Saskatchewan – Curriculum Support Documents

Early Elementary School Years (Grades 1-3)

Middle Years (Grades 4-6)

Older Years (Grades 7+)

Teaching Sex-Ed Webinar Series

Educator-Specific Information and Resources

Sexual Health Information for Educators

Why is sexual health education important for Saskatchewan youth?

Sexual health education is recognized as a right for all people.

Comprehensive Sexual Health Education

Associated positive outcomes:

Importance of Sexual Health Education in Schools

Characteristics of Effective Sexual Health Education

Other Factors for Success

Disabilities and Sexual Health Education

Teaching Comprehensive Sexual Health Education in Saskatchewan – Curriculum Support Documents

Early Elementary School Years (Grades 1-3)

Middle Years (Grades 4-6)

Older Years (Grades 7+)

Teaching Sex-Ed Webinar Series

Educator-Specific Information and Resources