Sample Sexuality Education Definitions

NOTE: A definition is important as it identifies what needs to be reviewed by the advisory committee, approved by the Board of Education and shared with parents through the official notification process.  Teachers implementing the content specified in the definition need to be trained according to the standards set by the local district.

Sexuality education is a lifelong process of acquiring information and forming attitudes, beliefs and values about identity, relationships and intimacy.  It encompasses sexual development, reproductive health, interpersonal relationships, affection, intimacy, body image and gender roles. Sexuality education addresses the biological, sociocultural, psychological and spiritual dimensions of sexuality from 1) the cognitive domain, 2) the affective domain, and 3) the behavioral domain, including the skills to communicate effectively and make responsible decisions.

Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education
National Guideline Taskforce, 1991

Human sexuality education is the field of study that examines relationship skills and knowledge, attitudes and behaviors, and values that promote healthful sexuality within those relationships.  Simply stated, the purpose of human sexuality education is to protect and promote health and to provide skills needed for loving and responsible relationships.

Education for Sexuality and HIV/AIDS, 1993

Family life education means courses designed cooperatively with parents, educators, community professionals and students which:

1. Provide students with adequate and accurate knowledge of human sexuality (gender-role development, body image, family formation, reproduction and childbirth and interpersonal relationships) in its physical, psychological, social and moral dimensions.
   

2. Help students clarify and appreciate their values and attitudes as they relate to the family and sexuality.
   

3. Enhance students’ self-esteem.
   

4. Increase students’ skills in decision-making and communication.

Such courses promote respect for parental values and encourage communication between students and parents.

Family Life Education - Teacher Training Manual, 1981

Sex education includes all educational opportunities which help individuals understand and prepare for those experiences in life that deal with the social, physical, emotional and mental aspects of human sexuality.  Sex education should prepare individuals to be responsible regarding their sexual behaviors.

A Handbook for Establishing Sex Education Programs in
Michigan, 1988

“Sex education” means the preparation for personal relationships between the sexes by providing appropriate educational opportunities designed to help a person develop understanding, acceptance, respect and trust for himself or herself and others.  Sex education includes the knowledge of physical, emotional and social growth and maturation and understanding of the individual needs.  It involves an examination of man’s and woman’s role in society, how they relate and react to supplement each other, the responsibilities of each towards the other throughout life, and the development of responsible use of human sexuality as a positive and creative force.

School Code of 1976, Part 2/Health & Physical Education

Sex education [includes] family planning, human sexuality and the emotional, physical, psychological, hygienic, economic and social aspects of family life.  Instruction may include the subjects of reproductive health and the recognition, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted disease.  ....it shall include abstinence from sex as a responsible method of preventing unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease and as a positive lifestyle for unmarried young people.

School Code of 1995, Section 1507,(1)

This page last last updated on: 01/02/02