Sexual Health Education in Canadian Schools

Sexual health education in schools is one of the most debated parts of the Canadian curriculum. Education is a provincial and territorial responsibility, so what is taught, and at what age, differs from one jurisdiction to the next.

The Sex Information and Education Council of Canada, known as SIECCAN, has long contributed evidence to that conversation. Established in 1964 as a registered charity, it works nationally to advance training for professionals and understanding among the public on sexuality and sexual health.

Research written for several audiences

SIECCAN has published reviews of sexual health education research that are organized around questions commonly raised by parents, teachers, program planners, school administrators, health officials and interested residents. Their purpose is to collect research findings in one place rather than to settle local curriculum decisions.

Trends among young people

Public health data in Canada have shown improvement on several basic measures of youth sexual health over recent decades. Teenage pregnancy rates have fallen over time, and surveys have found that fewer teens report having had intercourse and that sexually active youth use condoms more often than in earlier years. Figures change from survey to survey, and the current numbers differ by province and population.

Parental views

Surveys from several regions have generally found that most parents support schools teaching the subject. Findings of this type are one reason the topic is described as having wide public backing, although particular lessons and materials can still draw disagreement.

Do programs change behaviour?

A common worry in public debate is that classroom teaching might push young people toward earlier or more frequent sex. Research reviews generally find that comprehensive sexual health education does not hasten or increase sexual activity. Some programs have been associated with delayed or reduced activity, and some with greater use of condoms or other contraception.

The ethical argument

Advocates for sexual health education also make an argument from principle. They contend that withholding the knowledge people need for voluntary, informed choices about their own sexual health is ethically problematic. This frames the question around informed consent and access to knowledge, not only around measurable behaviour.