Sexual Health: Your Child, Your School, Your Family Values

Transcription

1 Sexual Health: Your Child, Your School, Your Family Values Dr. Claire Vanston Evidence-Based Education, B.C. Canada The Annual Fund Canadian International School of Hong Kong Knowledge itself has no intrinsic moral value; it is the way in which that knowledge is put to use that acquires an ethical dimension. Dr Francis S. Collins, Lead Researcher, International Human Genome Project!

2 About Me Ph.D (psychology/human sexuality) Simon Fraser University, B.C. Canada (2005) PT faculty at Capilano University (2004) Sessional faculty at Vancouver Island University (2010) Published researcher and academic author Psychology and human sexuality Evidence-Based Education Researcher not clinician Proud parent of IB students

3 Why teach it at all? Access to accurate sexual health information and education is a human right WHO, U.N., Amnesty International, World Association of Sexual Health. e.g.: Since health is a fundamental human right, so must sexual health also be a basic human right (World Health Organization, 1975) Sexual rights embrace human rights recognized in national laws and international human rights standards. They include the right of all people, free of coercion, discrimination and violence, to: -seek, receive and impart information related to sexuality, -education on sexuality, (U.N., ICPD, 1994). It is clearly necessary for all youth to receive educational and health services that prepare them for the reality and responsibilities of sexual behaviour. The lack of such programs infringes on the right of all young people to make informed choices about their health and places them at increased risk for significant negative health outcomes (The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, 2004)

4 Why teach it at all? Sexually is part of health and wellbeing Our first and longest sexual relationship is with ourselves Fosters positive outcomes (healthy relationships, sexual ethics) Reduces negative outcomes (sexual assault, unplanned pregnancies, infection, infertility) Fosters sexual empathy, sexual respect and sexual diversity If we don t do it their super peers will: TV, Internet, friends

5 Why teach it in schools? Because for many children it is the only place they will hear it: Since schools are the only formal educational institution to have meaningful contact with nearly every young person, they are in a unique position to provide children, adolescents, and young adults with the knowledge and skills they will need to make and act upon decisions that promote sexual health throughout their lives (Health Canada, 2003, p. 17). IB schools often embrace sexual health education because sexual health is a component of personal, emotional and social growth, and an important aspect of education, understanding and respect

6 The Sessions: Overview One 75 minute co-ed session in each grade 8, 10 and 12 class In that time I must: Make a connection, and capture attention Establish trust Support comfort and relaxation Reduce anxiety Model respect Give them a reason to listen and learn a buy in Inform and educate Change thinking and attempt to influence behaviour

7 Grade 8 Generally, very low rates of sexual activity Moderate rates of sexual curiosity Often still addressing pubertal changes Content: Male and female sexual anatomy Menstruation and ovulation Virginity Introduction to sexual ethics (consent and porn) Introduction to types of birth control Condom demonstration (male) Introduction to sexually transmitted infections and testing

8 Grade 10 Higher rates of sexual curiosity and sexual interest Especially the boys Porn Still low rates of sexual activity Some interest in relationships Content: Review of sexual anatomy including menstruation/ovulation Sexual consent law and ethics; porn; sexual coercion Virginity Birth control Condom demonstration (male) Sexually transmitted infections and testing: Chlamydia, HPV Vaccine

9 Grade 12 Higher rates of sexual activity (but still low in IB schools) If sexually active, usually in a relationship (average risk teens) Want to be good at it Sexually active teens are now sex experts Non-sexually active teens either not interested or wish they were Significant porn exposure More often boys than girls, but by now some girls have found it Content: Female ovarian cycle and ovulation/menstruation Sexual consent and sexual coercion Birth control Condom demonstration (male and female) Sexually transmitted infections: Chlamydia and HPV HPV vaccine Sexually active people get tested Prevention of sexual exploitation in post-secondary environments Sexual diversity

10 Does sexual health education make teenagers more likely to have sex No, research does not support this: earlier, or more often? Sexual Health Education in Schools: Questions and Answers (3 rd ed.). Sex Information and Education Council of Canada (2010)

11 Does sexual health education reduce negative sexual outcomes? Yes, research supports this: Sexual Health Education in Schools: Questions and Answers (3 rd ed.). Sex Information and Education Council of Canada (2010)

12 Digital citizenship doesn t always address gonadal activity Sometimes the brain is controlled by the testicles Teen natural curiosity has not changed Far more ways to satisfy the curiosity compared to generations before Our generation gave them the technology (without parameters), told them to use it creatively, and when they did we had a moral panic Sexual ethics are more important now than ever

13 My Approach Evidence-based information Upbeat, humourous and a bit edgy Engaging Sexuality information, not just the first three letters Non-judgmental No fear mongering Positive reinforcement This does not work, so I don t use it

14 The Don t Do It approach does not work

15 The take home message It is perfectly okay to wait The law protects your right to wait Sex has risks and responsibilities Contraception and sexually transmitted infections Family and personal values matter Your sexual ethics matter Sex is consensual and pleasurable It s your responsibility to control your sexual urges Healthy relationships are caring, respectful and empathetic

16 Questions or Stories? They honour us by asking They NEVER come out of the clear blue In older children it might be a story It often takes great courage for them to ask Our words and behaviour answers them If they ask, they are old enough for a straight answer Just answer the question You don t have to know all the answers You don t have to get naked, or report your own sexual experiences (if you don t want to)

17 Parents vary on how they feel about discussing these topics The earlier it is started, the easier it is It s okay to feel a bit weird (they usually do) A natural modesty often emerges during puberty It doesn t have to be a face to face chat Leave books in room websites Leave cards, pamphlets and booklets lying around Best if more than a single talk Avoid pushing the information Build information over time

18 It works! One example: Study (2011) evaluated Parents Matter! program Program teaches AA parents of preadolescence sexual communication and HIV-prevention skills Randomized clinical trial Parents who completed the enhanced Parents Matter program had better communication with their children on abstinence, HIV/AIDS and condom use AND greater similarity of responses on these topics.

19 This is a great book for parents: The New Speaking of Sex: What Your Children Need to Know and When They Need to Know it Meg Hickling R.N. In the school library Hong Kong Family Planning Association

20 You can always reach me Resource links Resource books Contact Facebook: drclaire.ca (all one word)