The Centre for Adolescent Health stands firm with the International Association for Adolescent Health (IAAH) in its beliefs about Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Schools.
Dear Advocates for Youth Health,
The IAAH strongly believes that Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is a fundamental right of every child and adolescent. They are committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of young people worldwide, and CSE plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal.
Beliefs About CSE:
- Universal Right: CSE should be accessible to every child and adolescent, irrespective of their background or location.
- Positive Impact: CSE leads to positive outcomes, including delayed initiation of sexual intercourse and increased use of contraception.
- No Misleading Effects: CSE does not lead to inappropriate sexual behaviors; rather, it equips young people with accurate and evidence-based information.
- Inclusive Approach: CSE should be available in both in-school and out-of-school settings, ensuring inclusivity for all young individuals.
- Cultural Relevance: CSE should be provided in a developmentally-appropriate and culturally-sensitive manner, respecting the diverse contexts in which young people live.
- Collaboration for Success: Successful CSE implementation involves students, teachers, parents, peer educators, community leaders, and health care providers working together.
- Equal Importance: CSE deserves the same prominence as other curriculum subjects, with adequately trained teachers and ample resources for effective delivery.
- Collective Support: We stand together against any attempts to undermine CSE, and we call on civil society, community, and political organizations to support this essential endeavor.
- Continuous Improvement: National education ministries must continuously monitor and enhance CSE implementation with the support of global benchmarking data and good practice examples.
- Scientific Backing: The scientific community should actively support CSE implementation with existing and new research, strengthening the foundation of this critical initiative.
What Can You Do?
Young People, Parents, and Community Leaders: If you seek more information about CSE, we encourage you to review the Q&A prepared by WHO. Engage with schools about their CSE plans, and if it’s not available, collaborate with education and health professionals to make it happen in your local community!
Policymakers and Politicians: Learn from case studies and parliamentarians prioritizing CSE in their countries. Seek input from teachers, young people, parents, and community leaders to make informed decisions.
Media Professionals: Approach the subject critically and ensure balanced reporting. Include diverse voices, especially those of young people, in discussions about CSE.
Health Professionals: Familiarize yourself with the evidence base on CSE and make yourself available to local schools and media professionals. Support families in educating their children about sexual health and relationships.
Education Professionals: Those delivering CSE should unite with families, community leaders, and health professionals. Stand firm against challenges and share positive experiences through local media. For those not yet delivering CSE, explore its importance globally and innovate in your context.
Let’s come together, united in our commitment to empowering young people through Comprehensive Sexuality Education. By working collaboratively, we can create a brighter and healthier future for the next generation.
Read the full open letter here: An Open Letter from the International Association for Adolescent Health (IAAH) about Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Schools.