Comprehensive sexuality education, or CSE, is important to the health, well-being, and overall academic achievement of all students in the United States. It can contribute, as well, to improved gender relations and tolerance of differences among individuals, increasingly important in today’s world. CSE is evidence-based sex education that can be used as a tool to provide honest, accurate, and affirming information to young people about sexual health and interpersonal relations. It empowers students to make responsible choices for themselves, avoid negative health consequences, and understand their bodies. Furthermore, CSE teaches young people to respect others’ right to bodily autonomy through consent, recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships, and show dignity and respect for themselves and others. CSE in schools is essential as it effectively counters inaccurate messages and harmful stereotypes often perpetuated by abstinence-only-until-marriage (AOUM) curriculums.
The Need for Comprehensive Sexuality Education in the United States