RSE mythbusters
There are common misunderstandings about Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) which has led to backlash, both in Australia and internationally. Criticisms often arise due to fear and a lack of understanding about RSE[1]. Bloom-ED has unpacked some of the common misconceptions and concerns below.
MYTH: RSE should be the family's responsibility
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Families can play a vital role in teaching young people about bodies, relationships, and friendships. However, not all parents and caregivers may feel confident or equipped to have these conversations. It is important that RSE programs work in partnerships with the young person's families or trusted people to ensure they have access to evidenced-based and accurate information about relationships and sexuality [2]. Embedding consistent RSE in schools ensures that young people connected to schools receive similar messaging. It can also be a great way for young people to learn from each other.
MYTH: RSE teaches values that do not align with schools
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Good quality RSE programs will align with school values [3] by providing young people with evidence-based and medically accurate information about relationships and sexuality. RSE lessons are intended to promote critical thinking skills so that young people can critique and effectively engage with messages they hear about love, sex, and relationships [4]. The values that parents, caregivers, or trusted adults have regarding relationships and sexuality can support the messages delivered through RSE programs.
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MYTH: RSE should not be taught to young people
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RSE is much more than conversations about sex and there are many topics that can and should be addressed in an age-appropriate way, starting in the early years of primary school [5]. In younger years, RSE programs may explore topics like learning how to be a good friend, recognising emotions and naming body parts correctly. Developing these skills builds the foundations of respect, bodily safety and help-seeking behaviours, which also play an important role in preventing abuse [6].
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MYTH: RSE sexualises children and promotes sex
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RSE educators and teachers should acknowledge that people can choose to be sexually active. RSE lessons should also equip people with the skills and confidence to make positive, ethical and healthy choices about their sexuality. This includes their right to not have sex.
Decades of evidence shows that the more young people learn about RSE topics and the earlier they learn about them, the later they are to have their first sexual experience and the less likely they are to have negative sexual experiences [7]. In contrast, abstinence-only education results in poorer sexual health outcomes [8]
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MYTH: RSE encourages young people to become part of LGBTQ+ communities
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Being LGBTQ+ is not a choice or mental health condition. Exposing young people to a range of perspectives and experiences should encourage identity exploration, promote acceptance and inclusion, and challenge homophobia and transphobia[9].
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MYTH: RSE will teach young people about how to masturbate
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RSE programs do not teach children how to masturbate. RSE programs teach young people in age and stage appropriate ways about sexuality, sexual health, relationships, and, sometimes, pleasure [10].
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MYTH: Teachers will show children porn
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RSE educators and teachers do not show pornography to children as it is illegal to show sexually explicit material to anyone under the age of 18 [11]. RSE lessons typically include some discussion about pornography as many young people today will view this content from a young age [12]. It is important that people develop literacy skills to critically analyse harmful gender stereotypes, risky behaviours and the lack of consent they may see on screen. Young people need to understand that pornography is a performance and experiences of sex in real life will likely be different.
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[1] International Technical Guidance on sexuality Education. UNESCO, 2018
[2] International Technical Guidance on sexuality Education. UNESCO, 2018
[3] Pound et al, 2017
[4]International Technical Guidance on sexuality Education. UNESCO, 2018
[5] Pound et al, 2017
[6] Goldfarb & Lieberman, 2020
[7] Pound et al, 2017
[8] Pound et al, 2017
[9] Goldfarb & Lieberman, 2020
[10] Kenny et al, 2008
[11] https://gdhr.wa.gov.au/-/is-it-illegal-to-watch-porn-if-you-are-under-18-
[12] Henry & Talbot, 2019