Viewpoints of Minnesota Students on School-Based Sexuality Education

This study gathered information on the perceptions of high school students with regard to human sexuality education. Six focus groups were conducted with 9th-12th grade students at public high schools in the Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, area. Students described the content of effective sexuality education as covering a variety of human sexuality topics as well as emotional/social aspects of sexuality and relationships. They advocated starting such education in early elementary school and covering all topics by eighth grade. Students strongly favored a presentation style that was open, honest, comfortable, and nonjudgmental, and they believed teachers should be specially trained in this area. Relating material to students' lives and using a discussion format were also considered essential to effective sexuality education. The students' viewpoints have significant implications for teachers, school administrators, and policy makers.