Benchmarks for Effective Comprehensive Sexual Health Education
SIECCAN is pleased to release the Benchmarks for Comprehensive Sexual Health Education in Canada.
The Benchmarks are a comprehensive tool to understand and assess the breadth and age/grade timing of sexual health education content in Canada.
Production of these resources has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Financial contribution from
Why are the Benchmarks important?
All children and youth have a fundamental right to information that enables them to protect and enhance their bodily autonomy and sexual health and well-being.
The Benchmarks provide educators and others with a consistent, evidence-based tool to assess the extent to which youth in Canada receive effective sexual health education that meets their needs and makes a positive contribution to their health and well-being.
Youth need access to information and skills development opportunities that address sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancy, gender-based violence, consent, reproductive health, sexual rights, and the promotion of satisfying and respectful relationships.
Who are the Benchmarks for?
Educators
Policymakers
Program Planners / Developers
Schools
Public Health and Community Organizations
Autonomy and Consent
Values and Rights
Interpersonal Relationships
What do the Benchmarks address?
The Benchmarks use a foundational, building block approach to addressing 11 comprehensive sexual health education topic areas:
Gender Norms, Roles and Stereotypes
Gender and Sexual Orientation
Bodies and Development
Reproductive Health
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Prevention and Support
Sexual Health Enhancement and Well-being
Digital Media Literacy and Technology
Gender-Based Violence Awareness and Prevention
Download the Benchmarks by grade/age in chart format
How were the Benchmarks developed?
The Benchmarks provide policy and program decision-makers and educators with a consistent, evidenced-based tool to develop, implement, and evaluate sexual health education programs/curricula that address the age/grade-specific sexual health education needs of the diverse youth population in Canada.
A multidisciplinary Working Group met in the Fall of 2023 to provide guidance and advise on the development of the Benchmarks. SIECCAN announced the formation of the following Benchmarks Working Group:
BENCHMARKS FOR COMPREHENSIVE SEXUAL HEALTH EDUCATION:
CONSULTATION SUMMARY REPORT
