Sexuality is a core part of every person. It contributes to each individual's self-image, their sense of self-worth, and their relationships with other people. Sexuality education is a lifelong process that often begins in schools.
Changes at puberty affect young people powerfully in many ways – the changes are not just physical. Schools can help students by implementing robust sexuality education programmes. Such programmes can help students to manage the changes as they occur.
Young people in New Zealand have a high rate of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with rates of some infections being many times higher than rates reported in Australia and the UK.
Young women who become pregnant while still at school have difficulties maintaining even basic level education and many drop out all together. This disrupted education can impact upon entrance to the workforce and earning potential, leading to a cycle of poverty and financial dependence.
A 2001 New Zealand survey found that school was the main source of information about sexual health for school students, followed by friends, then parents, magazines, books and television.
Did you know?
- 20% of young New Zealanders have had sexual intercourse by age 13, and 54% by age 17.
- 40% of 17 year-old secondary school students say they are currently sexually active.
- About 50 teenage girls in every 1,000 fall pregnant every year. Of these pregnancies, about half of them result in abortion, meaning there are upwards of 3,800 babies born to teenage parents in New Zealand every year.
- Young people aged 15-19 have higher rates of STIs than older age groups.
To see examples of what other schools have done, check out our
Case studies section, and be sure to look through our
Resources for links to free toolkits, posters, books and other information to support your sexual health programme.