Comprehensive Sexuality Education is a holistic approach that moves beyond teaching reproductive systems and risk avoidance alone. Access to quality, evidence-informed, comprehensive, inclusive sexuality education prepares young people to make informed decisions about their own sexual and reproductive health at all stages of their life. Healthy sexuality also plays an integral role in developing healthy relationships and is a fundamental part of a person’s overall health.

Access to comprehensive sexuality education for young people results in delayed initiation of sexual intercourse, reduced sexual risk taking, increased use of condoms and increased use of contraception.

Information about healthy sexuality should be introduced throughout childhood and adolescence in ways and at times that are developmentally appropriate. Ideally, conversations begin in early years and lessons build over time to ensure all young people develop a comprehensive understanding of their own sexual health.

Parents and caregivers play a key role in healthy sexuality education for young people. Ideally, conversations begin early in childhood by using the correct name for body parts, then continue through adolescents, as young people are ready, with topics such as puberty, consent, reproduction, healthy relationships, sexual orientation, gender, contraception, STIs, and where to access sexual health services. Having comprehensive, accurate information will help your child to make informed decisions about their sexual health now and throughout their lives. Young people are learning from the behavior and language of the adults around them. It’s important for you to understand and explain the basics about healthy sexuality. Open conversations, free of judgement increase comfort for both the adult and young person to talk about sexual health. This doesn't mean you need to have all the answers. If young people have questions that you can’t answer, help them to find a trusted resource or person who can.

Evidence supports the inclusion of comprehensive sexuality education in schools, moving beyond the basics of the reproductive system and avoidance of STIs to include a broad range of topics supporting healthy sexuality. In order to make evidence informed decisions about their sexual health, young people need accurate information. As a teacher, it’s important for you to understand the basics about healthy sexuality, so you are able to ensure students effectively learn about puberty, consent, reproduction, healthy relationships, sexual orientation, gender, contraception, STIs, and where to access sexual health services. Explore the SexLifeSask website to find out what you need to know. This doesn't mean you need to have all the answers. If young people have questions that you can’t answer, help them to find a trusted resource or person who can. Sexuality education can be a challenging topic for some teachers. The resources below can help you to plan the best approach for your classroom including links to the Saskatchewan Education Curriculum, teaching resources, speakers and workshops, and so much more!

The Government of Saskatchewan Ministry of Education outlines the provincial curriculum, including the outcomes for health education used in all Saskatchewan schools.