Abstract
The Netherlands is often recognized for its approach to adolescent sexual health, noted by the country's low rates of teen pregnancy and high contraceptive use among young people. Different studies have compared the sexual health outcomes of youth in The Netherlands with those of young people in other developed countries, and, to varying degrees, have discussed determinants related to the observed differences. Many have concluded that comprehensive sexuality education is one of the key factors contributing to the positive sexual health outcomes in The Netherlands, but few studies have looked at how Dutch sex education policy is translated into action. There is a lack of information on the content of Dutch sexuality education materials and programs. Such information is necessary for a better understanding of sexuality education in The Netherlands. This article presents a comparison of sexual health outcomes of young people in The Netherlands and the United States using the latest available data. This is followed by results of a content analysis of sexuality education materials in The Netherlands and a case study of a widely used Dutch high school sexuality program.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 93-106 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Sex Education |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Feb 2008 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:example, in correspondence with lesson three ‘How far do you want to go?,’ the student magazine has a section entitled ‘How important is sex for you?’ This segment contains quotes from teenagers about the role of sex in their life, thereby providing a range of perspectives from young people who are and are not sexually active. The video addresses social influence, how to talk about and negotiate safe sex, and provides positive student role models (Poelman, Schaalma and Reinders 1994). In 2006, a supplement on lover boys, young men that manipulate girls into sex work, was added to the program. The addition was funded by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport, and contains a student brochure, teacher manual, classroom poster, and the Love’r boy rap song (Lespakket over lover boys 2006).
Funding
example, in correspondence with lesson three ‘How far do you want to go?,’ the student magazine has a section entitled ‘How important is sex for you?’ This segment contains quotes from teenagers about the role of sex in their life, thereby providing a range of perspectives from young people who are and are not sexually active. The video addresses social influence, how to talk about and negotiate safe sex, and provides positive student role models (Poelman, Schaalma and Reinders 1994). In 2006, a supplement on lover boys, young men that manipulate girls into sex work, was added to the program. The addition was funded by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport, and contains a student brochure, teacher manual, classroom poster, and the Love’r boy rap song (Lespakket over lover boys 2006).
