New Brunswick survey finds parents, students and teachers want more sex education
Students and parents in New Brunswick want more sex education in schools and they want it delivered by less uptight instructors, according to a survey released Monday.
The New Brunswick survey – the first of its kind in Canada – asked thousands of parents, students and teachers across the province to rate sex education as it exists, and suggest changes.
Sandra Byers, a psychology professor at the University of New Brunswick and principal researcher on the two-year project, said the overwhelming message is the province’s school system needs more and better sex education, beginning as early as kindergarten.
Byers said even if it’s just a matter of kids learning the proper names for their genitals, it would begin the process of demystifying sex.
“Once they have the vocabulary and find out it’s OK to use those words, then it becomes easier for them to ask questions and add topics,” Byers said Monday.
The New Brunswick study, carried out by a team of UNB researchers in co-operation with the New Brunswick government, will lay the groundwork for rebuilding a sex-education curriculum in the province’s schools.
The survey has been released in sections, with this final part – interviews with over 2,000 students – coming out Monday. Earlier reports dealt with parents and teachers.
Byers said the provincial government was unsure of public sentiment as it prepared to rethink its sex-ed programs. She said a vocal minority made it appear there was strong opposition to sexual-health education.
However, she said the surveys found the vast majority of parents, teachers and students want sex education broadened and strengthened.
“Parents are very concerned about childrens’ health and they’re aware they’re not doing a good job on sex education at home.”
Byers said the students, from middle and high schools, had a mixed report card on their teachers and parents.
More than half of high school students are dissatisfied with current sex-ed programs, she said.
One-third of all students surveyed gave parents and guardians poor grades for their efforts at explaining the birds and the bees.
Byers said many students complained about ill-at-ease teachers.
“There was a lot of giggling in the class,” said Bethany Monteith, a Grade 10 student at Fredericton high, recalling her nervous, sex-ed teacher in Grade 8.
“He really seemed uncomfortable.”
Byers said the findings underscore the need for better teacher training.
“If teachers aren’t comfortable, they’re going to teach the minimum,” Byers said. “They’re going to teach the facts and they’re not going to promote discussion, they’re not going to promote question-asking or really introduce skills and include the more controversial topics.”
Sue MacLeod, head of family studies at Fredericton high school, said sex education suffered when programs such as home economics were eliminated by budget cuts.
“If you suddenly throw the sex ed part at another teacher who is outside of that and they’re used to math or history, chances are they won’t be comfortable,” MacLeod said.
Fredericton high is the only New Brunswick school currently offering comprehensive sex education at the Grade 10 and Grade 12 levels. The program in Grade 10 is mandatory and may be copied by other schools across the province.
MacLeod said the program covers a wide range of topics, including sexual decision-making and the consequences of unprotected sex.
“It’s too dangerous a time to be out there with no information,” she said.
