Abstract
Introduction and objectives. Even though the Netherlands are well-known for their high-quality
comprehensive sex education (CSE) programs, Dutch adolescents are not satisfied with the sex education
they receive at school. They desire to learn more about the positive aspects of sexuality and want CSE to
be more inclusive regarding sexual and gender minorities. Discussing topics such as pleasure, consent
and sexual and gender diversity in class can however also lead to resistance among some students and/or
their parents. The current study examines barriers and facilitating factors that CSE teachers and students
have experienced (or expect) with the inclusion of a sex-positive approach and LGBTI+ inclusivity at their
school.
Method(s) and sample. We held 7 focus groups with each 3-4 CSE teachers (total N = 23) at secondary
schools that were located in different geographical areas within the Netherlands. Most were biology
teachers; all participating schools had a culturally diverse student population. In parallel, we held focus
groups with students (total N = 37; age 14-18).
Findings and discussion. Large differences exist in how schools organize CSE. At most schools, teachers
receive very few hours to prepare and provide their classes. Many teachers feel insecure (and only very
few were trained) regarding discussing sensitive topics in class. Resistance was mainly encountered when
discussing LHBTI+ topics. Methods that facilitated discussing sensitive topics in class include explicitly
discussing different views; normalizing the pleasurable aspects of sex; and giving students an active role,
for example by letting them choose a theme or by offering a physical exercise in which they practice with
indicating personal boundaries.
Recommendations. CSE should become less teacher- and school-dependent. Clear national curriculum
guidelines and teacher support are needed. Rather than being part of the biology curriculum, interactive
CSE classes should become an independent, recurring theme within the curriculum across all grades
comprehensive sex education (CSE) programs, Dutch adolescents are not satisfied with the sex education
they receive at school. They desire to learn more about the positive aspects of sexuality and want CSE to
be more inclusive regarding sexual and gender minorities. Discussing topics such as pleasure, consent
and sexual and gender diversity in class can however also lead to resistance among some students and/or
their parents. The current study examines barriers and facilitating factors that CSE teachers and students
have experienced (or expect) with the inclusion of a sex-positive approach and LGBTI+ inclusivity at their
school.
Method(s) and sample. We held 7 focus groups with each 3-4 CSE teachers (total N = 23) at secondary
schools that were located in different geographical areas within the Netherlands. Most were biology
teachers; all participating schools had a culturally diverse student population. In parallel, we held focus
groups with students (total N = 37; age 14-18).
Findings and discussion. Large differences exist in how schools organize CSE. At most schools, teachers
receive very few hours to prepare and provide their classes. Many teachers feel insecure (and only very
few were trained) regarding discussing sensitive topics in class. Resistance was mainly encountered when
discussing LHBTI+ topics. Methods that facilitated discussing sensitive topics in class include explicitly
discussing different views; normalizing the pleasurable aspects of sex; and giving students an active role,
for example by letting them choose a theme or by offering a physical exercise in which they practice with
indicating personal boundaries.
Recommendations. CSE should become less teacher- and school-dependent. Clear national curriculum
guidelines and teacher support are needed. Rather than being part of the biology curriculum, interactive
CSE classes should become an independent, recurring theme within the curriculum across all grades
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 183 |
| Publication status | Published - 2023 |
| Event | 26th Congress of the World Association for Sexual Health - Turkey, Antalya, Turkey Duration: 2 Nov 2023 → 5 Nov 2023 Conference number: 26 https://www.was2023.org/files/downloads/WAS2023-Abstract-Book.pdf |
Conference
| Conference | 26th Congress of the World Association for Sexual Health |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | WAS |
| Country/Territory | Turkey |
| City | Antalya |
| Period | 2/11/23 → 5/11/23 |
| Internet address |