Just released toolkit: Future of Sex Ed Research Agenda: A Call to Action

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New Research:  Quality sex education has broad, long-term benefits for young people’s’ physical and mental health

For Three Decades of Research: The Case for Comprehensive Sex Education, Eva S. Goldfarb, Ph.D. and Lisa D. Lieberman, Ph.D. examined studies from over three decades of research on sex education and found “evidence for the effectiveness of approaches that address a broad definition of sexual health and take positive, affirming, inclusive approaches to human sexuality.”

Research Summaries:

• Three Decades of Research: Summary
• Child Abuse Sex Prevention
• Appreciation of Sexual Diversity
• Healthy Relationships
• Dating and Intimate Partner Violence
• Understanding of Gender
• Early, Scaffolded, Multigrade Approaches

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NEW UPDATE:  The Future of Sex Education Initiative is thrilled to announce the release of the National Sex Education Standards, Second Edition- English and National Sex Education Standards, Second Edition – Spanish.

The first edition of the Standards was a breakthrough, outlining the foundational knowledge and skills students need to navigate sexual development and grow into sexually healthy adults. The updated NSES reflect advancements in research regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, social, racial, and reproductive justice, and the long-term consequences of stigma and discrimination. Other additions include: advances in medical technology, the emergence of digital technologies, and the growing impact of social and sexually explicit media on relationships.

Inclusive and honest sex education goes beyond delivering information. It provides young people with opportunities to explore their own identities and values along with those of their families and communities. It also allows young people to practice the communication, decision-making, and negotiation skills they need to create healthy relationships—both sexual and nonsexual—throughout their lives.  FoSE partners are honored to share the National Sex Education Standards, Second Edition.

Organizing Partners

Advocates for Youth: Advocates for Youth partners with youth leaders, adult allies, and youth-serving organizations to advocate for policies and champion programs that recognize young people’s rights to honest sexual health information; accessible, confidential, and affordable sexual health services; and the resources and opportunities necessary to create sexual health equity for all youth.For more information about Advocates for Youth, visit www.advocatesforyouth.org

Answer: Founded in 1981 as the New Jersey Network for Family Life Education, Answer provides and promotes comprehensive sexuality education for young people and the adults who teach them. From its inception, Answer has provided high-quality training to educators and health professionals to ensure they are prepared to provide the information young people need and deserve to make healthy decisions. In 1994, Answer also began using the power of peer-to-peer communication in the publication of its award-winning, teen-written Sex, Etc. magazine and website, which allows teens to directly access accurate and developmentally appropriate sexuality information. To learn more about Answer visit http://answer.rutgers.edu.

SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change (SIECUS): Since 1964, SIECUS has asserted that sexuality is a fundamental part of being human, one worthy of dignity and respect. Through policy, advocacy, education, and strategic communications efforts, SIECUS advances sex education as a vehicle for social change—working toward a world where all people can access and enjoy sexual and reproductive freedom as they define it for themselves. For more information about SIECUS, visit www.siecus.org.