This is the abstract presentation of Caecilia Roth, which took place as part of the first session of #APCRSHR10 #Virtual on the theme of "Addressing barriers to accelerate progress on sexual and #reproductivehealth and rights in Asia and the Pacific" more details are online at www.bit.ly/apcrshr10virtual1

1. Caecilia Roth, Yan Cheng, Kristine Concepcion, Anne Stuart,
Jane Estoesta
Family Planning NSW, Australia
Opportunities for strengthening sexual
health education in schools:
Findings from a student needs assessment in
New South Wales, Australia

2. Background
Why is effective comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) important?
• Increase correct knowledge and challenge myths
• Clarify and strengthen positive values and attitudes
• Delay sexual debut
• Increase safe sex practices, reduce STIs and unintended pregnancies
• Empower young people with skills and information to make informed
decisions
Aims of the research:
• What are the experiences, needs and opinions of students?
• Identify areas where education programs are not meeting the current
learning needs of secondary school students
• Inform future development of educational resources and professional
learning programs for teachers to build schools’ capacity to provide CSE.

3. Methods
• 2017 anonymous online survey
• NSW secondary school students in Years 8-12 (ages 12-18)
• Recruitment through social media
Questions regarding students’ experiences of relationships, sexuality
and sexual health education (RSSH):
• sources of RSSH information
• topics included and how well they were covered
• who provided education sessions at school
• resources used and preferred by students
• perceptions of education effectiveness.
Data analysis: Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis
Ethics approvals: Family Planning NSW and NSW Department
of Education (SERAP)

4. Results - Participants
1,603 students completed the online survey.
 Representative mix of metropolitan, regional and rural students
 61% from government schools; independent and faith-based
schools also represented.
Year 8
7%
Year 9
16%
Year 10
22%
Year 11
16%
Year 12
39%
Year Level
Female
71%
Male
26%
Gender
Transgender and
Gender Diverse
3%

5. Results
Sources of RSSH information by topic
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Puberty Sexual harassment,
abuse & bullying
STIs STI treatment and
testing
Porn and media
representations of sex
Sexual feelings and
desires
School
Friends
Social media
Websites

6. Results
Amount of information provided at school
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Puberty
Safe sexual practices
STIs
Sexual harassment, abuse & bullying
Contraception
Gender identity
Same sex attraction & sexual identity
Porn and media representations of sex
Sexual feelings and desires
STI treatment and testing
Lots of
information
No
information &
want some

7. Results
Preferred resources and ways of learning
• Online videos / YouTube
• Other educational videos or DVDs
• Websites
• Printed materials such as posters and brochures
• Interactive learning activities
• Current information and resources
• Real life stories , authentic, showing personal experiences
• Opportunities for open, honest and respectful discussion
• Reflecting and normalising diversity – relationships, culture, point of
view, bodies, gender, sexuality

8. Results
Effect of relationships, sexuality & sexual health education
on students
“I personally feel like we deeply benefited from the year 11
seminar and it should be an opportunity all year 11 students
receive, without it I wouldn't be practising safe sex.“ (Year 12, age 16)
“My school gave as little information as possible, they were very
vague and didn’t answer my questions. “ (Year 10, age 16)
Increased
knowledge 45%
Helped prepare for healthy
decision making 38%
Clarified myths and
answered questions 33%

9. Results
Overall student satisfaction with sexual health
education at school
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
TOTAL Trans/gender diverse
students
Public schools Independent schools Faith-based schools
Somewhat
or totally
satisfied
Not very or
not at all
satisfied

10. Recommendations
Professional learning for teachers - build capacity and
confidence
• Evidence based, sex positive approach to CSE
• Engaging teaching and learning strategies and activities
• Inclusive language and approach – gender, bodies,
relationships
• Facilitate discussion and critical thinking with students
• Accurate and up to date information
• Provide key messages for emerging issues and identified
gaps in student knowledge
• Embed health literacy – access local services and model
information seeking
• Supporting a whole school approach
• Access to relevant and appropriate resources

11. Recommendations
Develop and provide resources to support effective teaching
and learning:
• Fact sheets, lesson plans, websites addressing topics of
need
• Easy to access – available online
• Include relatable contexts and personal stories – videos,
case studies
• Reflect diversity and inclusive language
• Use social media for positive health promotion

12. Questions

13. About Family Planning NSW
• Integrated Health Services:
– Clinics in 5 locations and outreach
– Health Promotion
– Talkline: Free and confidential information and advice about reproductive and sexual
health issues. Phone 1300 658 886, email talkline@fpnsw.org.au or chat
www.fpnsw.org.au
• Education and Training: For clinicians, teachers and community sector workers
• Research and Evaluation
• International Programs in the Pacific region
• Website: www.fpnsw.org.au Body Talk website: www.bodytalk.org.au
• Online Shop: shop.fpnsw.org.au