Go to Content Go to Navigation Go to Navigation Go to Site Search Homepage

Resources

Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE): 

Teaches that abstinence is the best method for avoiding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy, but also teaches about condom use and contraceptive methods to reduce the risk of STI and unintended pregnancy. It covers a broad range of issues relating to both the physical and biological aspects of sexuality, and the emotional and social aspects of sexuality. It can support the efforts of parents and teachers to provide honest, accurate, and affirming information to young people about sexuality, and help diminish the impact of some of the negative or inaccurate sexual messages and stereotypes often found in the media and sometimes supported by their peers. Furthermore, such programs empower youth to make responsible choices that protect their health, well-being and provide support for academic achievement.

  • A recent examination of the National Survey of Family Growth to determine the impact of sexuality education on sexual risk-taking for young people ages 15-19, revealed that teens who received comprehensive sexuality education were 50% less likely to report a pregnancy than those who received abstinence-only education. (Kohler, et al. Abstinence-only and Comprehensive Sex Education and the Initiation of Sexual Activity and Teen Pregnancy. Journal of Adolescent Health, 42 (4): 344-351) 
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognize that “health-risk behaviors such as early sexual initiation, violence, and physical inactivity are consistently linked to poor grades and test scores and lower educational attainment”, and that “school health programs can have positive effects on educational outcomes, as well as health-risk behaviors and health outcomes.”
  • Evaluations of comprehensive sex education programs show that these programs can help youth delay the onset of sexual activity reduce the number of sexual partners, and increase condom and contraceptive use. (Advocates for Youth August 2010 Comprehensive Sex Education and Academic Success-Effective Programs Foster Student Achievement) 

To learn more or schedule a Comprehensive Sexuality Education session, contact us at [email protected].

Being a Young Person: Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Being a Young Person: Comprehensive Sexuality Education

"In today’s changing world, growing up isn’t always easy. Imagine being without accurate information and reliable skills as you navigate the journey to adulthood. Do myths end up masquerading as reality? Do peers, television, and the internet stand in for reliable resources and information? Fortunately, Comprehensive Sexuality Education or CSE, can make this journey easier, more certain and healthier for young people around the world."

Comprehensive Sexuality Education versus Abstinence-Until-Marriage Sexuality Education

Talking to Kids and Teens About Sex

Many  parents find that talking with their children about sexuality and reproduction can be overwhelming. There are many tools to help you, no matter if you’ve already begun talking with your children about sexuality and want help answering specific questions, or if you don’t know how to start the discussion. We hope reading about talking with your kids about sex and sexuality will be helpful.

There are also many other resources that can help get more information about what type of sexuality education your child is receiving:

Did you know children whose parents talk to them about sexual health and well-being are positively impacted to practice safer sex, to delay intercourse, and to have more positive views on sexuality? (Source)

Did you know that parents can influence their children’s attitudes and beliefs about sex? But sometimes it can be uncomfortable talking to your child about sex. (Source)

Did you know that condoms are the most commonly used contraceptive method for sexually active teenagers? Take time to sit down with your child and talk about how to properly use a condom. This video may help.

Did you know that STI rates are skyrocketing and disproportional numbers of teens are diagnosed with venereal diseases when compared to the general population. Take time to talk to your teen about how they can reduce their risk of getting an STI.  You can find more information about this data here: 

Don’t delay...start today! Start having “The Talk” with your child early and often. Did you know that research shows emerging adults wish their parents would have had more open, honest, and realistic conversations with them, talking earlier about sex, on a more frequent basis, and about a variety of topics. (Source)

Sexual Health Overview

Puberty and Anatomy

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Contraceptives

Identity

Trends in Rates

Below are some suggested books to help you discuss sexuality issues with your children.

All about Sex: A family Resource on Sex and Sexuality.

Our comprehensive resource will help families establish positive sexual values and encourage responsible sexual behaviors. Includes a glossary and an extensive resource section and reading list. Contact: Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc., 810 Seventh Avenue, New York NY 10019. Tel: (800) 669-1056.

Human Sexuality: What Children Should Know and When They Should Know It.

This pamphlet takes the mystery out of “What to say?” It aides parents to ensure that children receive sexuality education information this is complete and age-appropriate. Our helpful guide looks at the information needs of children, including toddlers, grade schoolchildren, younger adolescents, and older teens, and explains what children at each stage need to know about human sexuality and their own sexual development. Contact: Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc., 810 Seventh Avenue, New York NY 10019. Tel: (800) 669-1056.

Talking With Your Child About Sex, by Mary S. Calderone and James W. Ramey. 

Available in most bookstores, Talking With Your Child About Sex offers answers to questions children of different ages ask about sex. Contact: Ballantine Books, 201 East 50th Street, New York, NY 10022.

The Facts of Life: A Guide for Teens and Their Families.

This popular booklet offers parents of pre-teens and teens all the information they’ll need to discuss sex and sexuality in a comfortable and accurate way. In addition to basic information, this booklet provides explanations of boys' and girls' sexual feelings and anatomical growth, reproductive systems, masturbation, menstruation, sexual orientation, pregnancy, birth control, and STIs. Also includes information about relationships:  when they’re good for you, when they’re not, and how to handle a breakup. Contact: Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc., 810 Seventh Avenue, New York NY 10019. 

Talking About Sex: A Guide for Families.

This video and companion kit for families with children ages 10 to 14 contains factual information and discussion guides about such topics as anatomy, puberty, contraception, teen pregnancy, STIs, and HIV/AIDS. Cost: $29.95 (plus shipping and handling). Contact: Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc., 810 Seventh Avenue, New York NY 10019. Tel: (800) 669-1056.

First Comes Love: All About The Birds And The Bees - And Alligators, Possums, And People Too, by Jennifer Parmelee.

Available at most bookstores, "First Comes Love is a charming book for young children about love, sexuality, and relationships, and a wonderful introduction for parents to begin talking with their children about sexuality. The delightful rhymes and illustrations normalize the subject and create a comfortable context for parents and young children to begin this all-important conversation.” –Michael McGee, Vice Present of Education, Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Contact Workman Publishing, 708 Broadway, New York, NY10003. Tel: (800) 722-7202 ext.7593.

The What’s Happening To My Body? Book For Girls, by Lynda Madaras.

Available at most bookstores, this book is a growing-up guide for parents and daughters. It allows parents to help a young girl handle her transition to womanhood. She also offers The What’s Happening To my Body? Book For Boys. It is a newly revised edition to that includes information on AIDS, STIs, and birth control appropriate for this age. Contact: Newmarket Press, New York, 18 East 48th Street, New York, NY 10017. Tel: (212) 832-3575.

How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish.

Available in most bookstores, this book walks parents through a wide range of typical talks with kids, while at the same time encourages them to listen fully to what their children are saying. Contact: Avon Books, 1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019. Tel: (800) 669-1056.

Becoming an Askable Parent.

This guide instructs parents on what children are experiencing at different ages (from birth to 16) to help them answer questions that both they and their children might have. It also presents typical situations in which parents find themselves as their children become curious about sex. Contact: American Social Health Association, P.O. Box 13827, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3827. Tel: (800) 783-9877. Web: www.ashastd.org.

It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, and Sex & Sexual Health, by Robie H. Harris.

Available at most bookstores, this wonderfully illustrated book provides accurate, unbiased answers to nearly every conceivable question, from contraception and puberty, to birth control and AIDS. It’s Perfectly Normal offers young people the real information they need to know now more than ever to make responsible decisions and to stay healthy. Contact: Candlewick Press, 2067 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140.

Now What Do I Do? How to Give your Pre-Teen Your Messages. This booklet helps parents of 10 to 12 year-old children communicate about teen pregnancy, contraception, self-esteem, media influences, unwanted sexual attention, and homosexuality. A sister publication, Oh No! What Do I Do Now? (Also available in Spanish), helps parents communicate their values about sexuality to their children. Contact: Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, 130 West 42nd Street, Suite 350, New York, NY 10036-7802. Tel: (212) 819-9770. Web: www.siecus.org.

Be clear about your values. 

Before you begin speaking with your child, think about your values. What do you believe about teens having sex; what does your faith community believe? You need to be clear about how you feel so you can convey your values to your child.

Talk about facts versus beliefs.

Facts may sometimes contradict your own values. Its okay to discuss the factual information about something and also convey to your child your values about this. Always give an honest and direct answer to your child's question. Letting your child know that people have different views, values, and opinions about something is always a positive thing. 

Practice what you preach.

It can be confusing for young people to hear one thing about sexuality and then see an adult act in a way that does not support this. Acting on your values and being a good role model are powerful messages for your child.

Keep the conversation going.

Talking with your child about sexuality is an ongoing process. It is not a single event. It is important to start the conversation early and to let your child know that you are always willing to talk with them. Questions and topics regarding sexuality will change and mature with age.

Don't worry if you don't have all the answers.

I don't know is a perfectly acceptable answer to a child's question. Responding with lets find out together is a way to promote a discussion.

But don't preach.

A conversation is a two-way dialogue. Don't talk AT your child. Talk WITH your child. Some of the best information about what is going on with your child's life comes from keeping quiet and listening.

Keep your sense of humor!

Letting your child know that sexuality is a natural, normal part of life is a powerful message. As you become your child's primary sexuality educator, don't be surprised when your child asks you a question about sex in the line at the grocery store!

Do not assume that because your child is asking questions, she/he is engaging in sexual activity.

Children are naturally curious. They may have questions because they have heard or seen something that is confusing to them. Sexual images are everywhere: on TV, on billboards, in magazines, and on the Internet. Its a good sign that they are asking you. It means they trust you.

Encourage a sense of pride.

All children deserved to be loved and wanted. Let them know you are interested in them as people. You want to know what they think and how they feel.

Planned Parenthood cares about your data privacy. We and our third-party vendors use cookies and other tools to collect, store, monitor, and analyze information about your interaction with our site to improve performance, analyze your use of our sites and assist in our marketing efforts. You may opt out of the use of these cookies and other tools at any time by visiting Cookie Settings. By clicking “Allow All Cookies” you consent to our collection and use of such data, and our Terms of Use. For more information, see our Privacy Notice.

Cookie Settings

Planned Parenthood cares about your data privacy. We and our third-party vendors, use cookies, pixels, and other tracking technologies to collect, store, monitor, and process certain information about you when you access and use our services, read our emails, or otherwise engage with us. The information collected might relate to you, your preferences, or your device. We use that information to make the site work, analyze performance and traffic on our website, to provide a more personalized web experience, and assist in our marketing efforts. We also share information with our social media, advertising, and analytics partners. You can change your default settings according to your preference. You cannot opt-out of required cookies when utilizing our site; this includes necessary cookies that help our site to function (such as remembering your cookie preference settings). For more information, please see our Privacy Notice.

Marketing

On

We use online advertising to promote our mission and help constituents find our services. Marketing pixels help us measure the success of our campaigns.

Performance

On

We use qualitative data, including session replay, to learn about your user experience and improve our products and services.

Analytics

On

We use web analytics to help us understand user engagement with our website, trends, and overall reach of our products.