SIECUS Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Back to School Health Education Clearinghouse; Back to Guidelines

Public Support For Sexuality Education, The National Coalition to Support Sexuality Education, State Mandates for Sexuality Education, Evaluation/Research, Sexual Health Promotion Programs, Sexuality Education Curricula, Additional Resources, HIV/AIDS Content Notice, Training Modules

Values Inherent in the Guidelines

The Guidelines were developed to be consistent with values that reflect the beliefs of most communities in a pluralistic society. Each community will need to review these values to be sure that the program is consistent with community norms and diversity.

Values inherent in the Guidelines include:

Sexuality is a natural and healthy part of living.
All persons are sexual.
Sexuality includes physical, ethical, social, spiritual, psychological, and emotional dimensions.
Every person has dignity and self worth.
Young people should view themselves as unique and worthwhile individuals within the context of their cultural heritage.
Individuals express their sexuality in varied ways.
Parents should be the primary sexuality educators of their children.
Families provide children's first education about sexuality.
Families share their values about sexuality with their children.
In a pluralistic society, people should respect and accept the diversity of values and beliefs about sexuality that exist in a community.
Sexual relationships should never be coercive or exploitative.
All children should be loved and cared for.
All sexual decisions have effects or consequences.
All persons have the right and the obligation to make responsible sexual choices.
Individuals, families, and society benefit when children are able to discuss sexuality with their parents and/or other trusted adults.
Young people develop their values about sexuality as part of becoming adults.
Young people explore their sexuality as a natural process of achieving sexual maturity.
Premature involvement in sexual behaviors poses risks.
Abstaining from sexual intercourse is the most effective method of preventing pregnancy and STDs/HIV.
Young people who are involved in sexual relationships need access to information about health care services.

Web Master: siecus@siecus.org