Sex Education in School: Contexts for Change

Abstract

Sex education is, nowadays, one of the priority intervention areas in our country and occupies a position of interest in the development of educative and public health politics in the European Union. Several studies have been developed, adressing the sexuality in younger people issues(1,2,3,4), which verify the precocity of starting sexual relations amongst teenagers, the inexistence of a regular sexual partner and the reduced systematic use of condoms during situations of increased risk. In this context, sex education’s interventions headed to individuals at this stage of life become relevant. Especially because its unquestionable the crucial role that sexuality plays in adolescent growth and development, in the interpersonal relationship, respect, communication, self-esteem and in the assertiveness and self-confidence. In the view of the above, we chose the research-action methodology. During the diagnostic phase we applied a set of instruments of which we highlight the questionnaire : assessment of teachers' attitudes towards sexual education (QAAPES)(5) ; conceptions and practices in relation to sex education - version for teachers(6). The presented results relate only to the first phase of the process. These allowed us to note the recognition of sex education in school as an explicit necessity. In the opinion of teachers this concerns all teachers and should be addressed preferably in the teaching component. For these, the main purpose of sex education is to develop the students' skills so that they can live their sexuality in a healthier way.