what is comprehensive sex education

Comprehensive sex education (CSE) is a curriculum-based process of teaching and learning about the cognitive, emotional, physical, and social aspects of sexuality. It aims to equip children and young people with accurate, age-appropriate information about sexuality and their sexual and reproductive health. CSE is delivered in formal and non-formal settings, in school or out of school, and is comprehensive, covering a range of topics on sexuality and sexual and reproductive health throughout childhood and adolescence. The comprehensive aspect of CSE refers to the breadth, depth, and consistency of topics, as opposed to one-off lessons or interventions. CSE addresses sexual and reproductive health issues, including, but not limited to, sexual and reproductive anatomy and physiology, puberty and menstruation, reproduction, contraception, pregnancy, childbirth, STIs, including HIV and AIDS, and safe behaviors, such as communicating with partners and seeking testing for sexually transmitted infections. Additionally, comprehensive sex education curricula may include discussions surrounding pregnancy outcomes such as parenting, adoption, and abortion. The guidelines for comprehensive sexuality education, according to the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS), are appropriate to the age, developmental level, and cultural background of the students, based on scientific and medical accuracy, and inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities.