Q: What is comprehensive sex ed?
A: Comprehensive sex education includes topics that go beyond abstinence to include evidence-based, medically accurate information that allows students to make informed decisions about their health. This includes information about healthy relationships, communication skills, consent, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and LGBTQ+ resources.
Unlike an abstinence-only curriculum, comprehensive sex ed teaches teens that abstinence is not the only option available to them. While abstinence is still encouraged and emphasized as the only 100% effective method for preventing unplanned pregnancies and STDs, students learn that if they choose to engage in sex at any point in their lives, there are steps they can take to be prepared and protected, such as using birth control and condoms and communicating respectfully with their partner.
Learn More:
Learn about Hillsborough County’s new comprehensive sex ed curriculum by visiting HealthyHCPS.org.
Listen to this interview on WMNF 88.5 featuring Dr. Diane Straub, Chief, Division of Adolescent Medicine & Professor of Pediatrics, USF Health and Medical Director, Ybor Youth Clinic, and Ashlee Cappucci, Supervisor for K-12 Physical Education, Health, and Dance, Hillsborough County Public Schools.
Also, check out this article from the Tampa Bay Times to see what parents and educators are saying about changes to our sex ed curriculum.
Danielle Lewald, MPH, CPH, Adolescent Health Resource Coordinator, Healthy Start Coalition of Hillsborough County, Inc.
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