Sexuality Education

Sexuality education is necessary, not only for helping young people understand themselves better and make informed decisions concerning sex and relationships, but also to counteract myths and false attitudes toward sexuality. Quality sexuality education aims to prevent sexual harassment, violence, and the discrimination of LGBT-persons and people that live with HIV/AIDS. Also, a quality sexuality education addresses current issues that are based on young people’s realities. It supports them in making personal choices, and respecting others in relation to intimacy and sex.

Sexuality education has been compulsory in Sweden since 1955. Despite this, the subject has not been compulsory for those studying to become teachers. A survey that RFSU carried out in 2004 showed that only six percent of those studying to become teachers had received some form of sexuality education. In response, RFSU is working to make sexuality and relationship education a compulsory element of coursework for those studying to become teachers.