How to Teach Sexual Health: Tips for for New Teachers

It is important to be mindful of the language you use during lessons. Use correct terminology and avoid slang. For example, say penis, not dick. If you are comfortable, you can use terms that your students are using, but it is advised to do so only after the “real” or clinical term has been introduced. You can say “people also refer to it as…”. This will help students understand the many words that exist for the same thing, and is especially helpful for the concrete thinkers in the room.

When it comes to language, often heterosexuality is assumed and words such as marriage, premarital sex, girlfriend, and boyfriend are the dominant narrative. Students who do not identify as straight may not feel included and safe if their reality is not being acknowledged. Instead, use terms that are more gender-neutral, such as partner, to include everyone and all relationships.

Talking about sex can evoke at times uncomfortable feelings, and this can translate into chatter and laughter in the classroom. This is especially true for younger students. Talk about the discussion before it happens. Let students know that it may feel awkward because we don’t discuss these issues often, and that it is normal to feel uncomfortable at times when talking about sexuality. Keep in mind that certain topics are more likely to create more laughter (from discomfort) than others, such as masturbation, BDSM, sex toys, and even sometimes homosexuality. In addition, you can also remind students that if they have any additional questions or concerns about any of the topics raised, they can come see you (or write to you) in private.

As in most classrooms, ask students to raise their hand before speaking and to listen and not interrupt when others are speaking. Remind students to be mindful that everybody has a different lived experience, identity, and point of view. All questions are welcome, as long as they are asked in a respectful manner. If a student is made fun of or laughed at by another student, it is essential for the teacher to not tolerate rude or negative comments in the class, especially towards another person. If you let it go, your students will get the message that this behaviour is okay, and it will likely continue. Respect is crucial for all students and the teacher at all times. This is not negotiable.

Encourage students to ask questions and participate. However, it is suggested that these questions not be focused on specific personal issues, or telling stories about people in the class that others know about. In other words, ask students not to use names in their questions, or experiences that others know about.

It is also important to let students know that they should not be asking you personal questions about your experiences or beliefs. It is also perfectly acceptable for you not to answer something asked, and to take a break and switch to another topic for a time.

As a teacher, you are not expected to answer personal questions about yourself, and you should also avoid imposing your own values onto your students as the ones to follow. Each person has a set of values based on their upbringing, religion, family, and experiences, and what might be right for one, may be wrong for another. You need to be objective while teaching sexual health education. You can help students understand how they feel about certain issues, as long as the issue is not against the law, nor hurting themselves or someone else.

Sexual health is a layered subject and it is normal to not have the answers to all questions. It is encouraged to tell students “I don’t know and will get back to you.” It can sometimes be hard to admit when you don’t know an answer, but it is especially important to do so when discussing a topic like sexual health. It is then crucial to return to your students when you do have the answer and with appropriate resources.

One way to encourage students to ask their questions in a non-intimidating or threatening way is to create an anonymous question box. It allows students to ask questions anonymously. You can leave the box out somewhere in the classroom and students can drop questions inside anytime. Try to remember to check it frequently!

A variation of this would be to have students write down a question and submit it to you directly. You could also ask students to make a paper airplane and fly it to you, or ball it up and throw it to the front of the classroom. There are many variations! But the trick is that everyone needs to send a paper, even if it is blank. This way, no one can know who wrote or didn’t write questions! This makes the activity safer for people to participate in.

Have fun!