Sex education in schools – what do kids really want to know? An Adelaide academic seeks to find out

Sex ed has been taught in schools for decades but is it delivering what our kids really want – and need – to know? A new Adelaide study seeks to find out.

Young South Australians are being sought to share their insights into how sex education is being taught in schools.

Adelaide University PhD student Sophie Kedzior, in conjunction with sexual health education service Shine SA, is researching teenagers’ understanding around giving and receiving consent.

It also wants to find out more on young peoples’ views in relation to what makes a healthy relationship.

The study, of youngsters aged between 14 and 20, seeks to find the topics students feel are most important to include in relationships and sexual health education during high school.

“We are hoping that by talking with young people about their views and experiences we can

identify some of the common areas that are challenging for young people in their own relationships and in navigating discussions about consent,” Ms Kedzior said.

“Relationships are the foundation for many aspects of life, including health and wellbeing, and are critical for healthy adolescent development.

“(We also want to) explore what they learnt at school, as well as what they wish they had learnt about.”

Participants in the newly-launched study are asked a series of questions, including what qualities they believe are important for relationships and whether this is different for family, friends and romantic relationships.

An Adelaide study seeks to find out if the sex ed lessons kids are being taught in schools are really helpful in 2021. Picture: iStock

“For consent, we are discussing a number of scenarios involving consent, and exploring how context might change feelings about the scenario – for example by including alcohol,” Ms Kedzior said.

“We hope that the results will be used to better support young people to achieve healthy and respectful relationships, including ways to strengthen what is taught in schools and identify where more research with young people needs to be done.”

While in its early stages, Ms Kedzior said some enlighting insights had already been gained.

“Some common issues raised (have) included respecting boundaries in all relationships – not just romantic – the need for communication and the importance of life experience when learning about relationships and consent.” she said.

“One positive finding so far is the belief that there is great awareness amongst young people of consent ... but how to make consent explicit and affirmative in all circumstances needs to be explored.”

Ms Kedzior said all interviews were done in a relaxed atmosphere with young people only asked to answer questions they felt comfortable doing so while all identifying information was removed for the analysis and any published work.

Schools or individuals wishing to take part should email [e-mail] or visit Shine SA’s Facebook or Instagram, searching “healthy relationships”.