{"id":4447,"date":"2023-08-17T16:21:17","date_gmt":"2023-08-17T06:21:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/?p=4447"},"modified":"2023-08-17T16:21:17","modified_gmt":"2023-08-17T06:21:17","slug":"empowering-youth-through-comprehensive-sexuality-education-a-call-to-action-by-iaah","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/2023\/08\/17\/empowering-youth-through-comprehensive-sexuality-education-a-call-to-action-by-iaah\/","title":{"rendered":"Empowering Youth through Comprehensive Sexuality Education: A Call to Action by IAAH"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Centre for Adolescent Health stands firm with the International Association for Adolescent Health (IAAH) in its beliefs about Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Schools.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dear Advocates for Youth Health,<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h6><\/h6>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4448 size-large aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/files\/2023\/08\/CSE-post-2-600x338.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/files\/2023\/08\/CSE-post-2-600x338.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/files\/2023\/08\/CSE-post-2-400x225.png 400w, https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/files\/2023\/08\/CSE-post-2-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/files\/2023\/08\/CSE-post-2-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/files\/2023\/08\/CSE-post-2.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<h6><\/h6>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">Beliefs About CSE:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Universal Right<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: CSE should be accessible to every child and adolescent, irrespective of their background or location.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Positive Impact<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: CSE leads to positive outcomes, including delayed initiation of sexual intercourse and increased use of contraception.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">No Misleading Effects<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: CSE does not lead to inappropriate sexual behaviors; rather, it equips young people with accurate and evidence-based information.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Inclusive Approach<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: CSE should be available in both in-school and out-of-school settings, ensuring inclusivity for all young individuals.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cultural Relevance<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: CSE should be provided in a developmentally-appropriate and culturally-sensitive manner, respecting the diverse contexts in which young people live.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Collaboration for Success<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Successful CSE implementation involves students, teachers, parents, peer educators, community leaders, and health care providers working together.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Equal Importance<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: CSE deserves the same prominence as other curriculum subjects, with adequately trained teachers and ample resources for effective delivery.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Collective Support<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: We stand together against any attempts to undermine CSE, and we call on civil society, community, and political organizations to support this essential endeavor.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Continuous Improvement<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: National education ministries must continuously monitor and enhance CSE implementation with the support of global benchmarking data and good practice examples.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Scientific Backing<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: The scientific community should actively support CSE implementation with existing and new research, strengthening the foundation of this critical initiative.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h6><\/h6>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4449 size-large aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/files\/2023\/08\/CSE-post-1-600x338.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/files\/2023\/08\/CSE-post-1-600x338.png 600w, https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/files\/2023\/08\/CSE-post-1-400x225.png 400w, https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/files\/2023\/08\/CSE-post-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/files\/2023\/08\/CSE-post-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/files\/2023\/08\/CSE-post-1.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><\/h4>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">What Can You Do?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Young People, Parents, and Community Leaders<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: If you seek more information about CSE, we encourage you to review the Q&amp;A prepared by WHO. Engage with schools about their CSE plans, and if it&#8217;s not available, collaborate with education and health professionals to make it happen in your local community!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Policymakers and Politicians<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Media Professionals<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Approach the subject critically and ensure balanced reporting. Include diverse voices, especially those of young people, in discussions about CSE.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Health Professionals<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Education Professionals<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Let&#8217;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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Read the full open letter here:\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/iaah.org\/2023\/08\/02\/statements-cse-august-2023\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">An Open Letter from the International Association for Adolescent Health (IAAH) about Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Schools.<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Centre for Adolescent Health firmly supports the International Associated for Adolescent Health in its beliefs about comprehensive Sexuality Education in Schools.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6637,"featured_media":4449,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11798,28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4447","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education-and-training","category-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4447","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6637"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4447"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4447\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4463,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4447\/revisions\/4463"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4449"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4447"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4447"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/cah\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4447"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}