New Sex Education Standards Released

Monday, a coalition of health and education groups released new, non-binding guidelines for sex education in the United States. The recommendations to states and school districts aim to foster age-appropriate discussions that build sequentially for young children until they grow into adults.

The organizations involved are Advocates for Youth; the American Association of Health Education; the American School Health Association; the National Education Association - Health Information Network; the Society of State Leaders of Health and Physical Education; and the Future of Sex Education Initiative.

The standards outlined include:

*By the end of second grade, students should be able to use proper names for body parts; explain that all living things reproduce; identify different types of family structures; explain that everyone has the right not to be touched; and explain why bullying and teasing are wrong.

*By the end of fifth grade, pupils should be able to describe the female and male reproductive systems; understand changes during puberty; define sexual orientation as “the romantic attraction of an individual to someone of the same gender or a different gender;” define HIV and ways to prevent it; describe healthy relationships; and define teasing, harassment, bullying and sexual abuse.

*By the end of eighth grade, students should be able to differentiate between gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation; explain the range of gender roles; describe the signs of pregnancy; compare and contrast behaviors including abstinence to determine potential disease transmission risk; define emergency contraception and its use; and explain why a person who has been raped or sexually assaulted is not at fault.

*By high school graduation, students should be able to analyze how brain development impacts changes in adolescence; define sexual consent and how it affects sexual decision-making; explain why using tricks, threats or coercion in relationships is wrong; and compare and contrast laws related to pregnancy adoption, abortion, and parenting.

For more information, visit http://www.ashaweb.org/files/public/Sexuality%20Education/JOSH-FoSE-Standards.pdf.

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.

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