Sexual Health and Education

Sexual health education covers topics like puberty, reproduction, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), consent, and healthy relationships, ideally in age-appropriate ways from childhood through adolescence. Quality programs go beyond biology to include communication skills, decision-making, and respect for self and others.

Public health agencies such as the CDC describe "quality sexual health education" as medically accurate, culturally relevant, and inclusive of all students, including LGBTQ+ youth. UNESCO frames comprehensive sexuality education as a tool to help young people realize their health, well-being, and dignity throughout life.

Comprehensive programs teach abstinence as one valid choice but also explain condoms, contraception, STI testing, and real-life relationship skills. Multiple reviews show these programs can delay first sex, reduce number of partners, and increase consistent condom and contraceptive use.

By contrast, abstinence-only or “sexual risk avoidance” programs typically promote waiting until marriage and either exclude or minimize practical information about contraception, often focusing only on failure rates. Research finds these programs do not significantly reduce teen pregnancy or STIs, even though they still receive tens of millions of federal dollars each year.

In the U.S., sex education policy is largely set by states and local districts, creating a patchwork of requirements. A recent legal analysis found that while 42 states require some form of sex education or related content, only 19 require that it be medically accurate—and just 58% of students live in those areas.

Many states require schools to stress abstinence, and only a minority mandate instruction on contraception, condoms, sexual orientation, or consent. CDC data also show that less than half of high schools teach all of the core topics it recommends for sexual health education, and the coverage is even lower in middle schools.

Most young people become sexually active by their late teens, yet many report they did not receive the minimum recommended education before having intercourse. This leaves them more vulnerable to unintended pregnancy, STIs, and unhealthy or coercive relationships.

Studies of evidence-based programs show meaningful results: many reduce unprotected sex, increase condom and contraceptive use, delay sexual initiation, and lower rates of teen pregnancy and some STIs. Beyond physical health, comprehensive education also supports self-esteem, mutual respect, and skills to recognize and resist pressure or abuse.

Experts recommend starting early with simple, age-appropriate lessons—like body autonomy, boundaries, and respect in childhood—then layering in more detailed topics in adolescence. Involving parents and caregivers, offering confidential health services, and aligning school lessons with community values all improve impact.

Global guidance emphasizes that sexual health education should be inclusive, non-judgmental, and rights-based, recognizing that young people have a right to information that is honest and scientifically sound. When communities invest in comprehensive, medically accurate programs, they are not encouraging sex—they are equipping young people to stay safer, healthier, and more informed when they do make choices about their bodies and relationships.