PHE Journal

 

type

  • Feature Article
  • Podcast
  • Research

theme

  • Instant Activity
  • Food Literacy
  • Outdoor Learning
  • Physically Active Learning
  • Social Emotional Learning
  • Cross-Curricular Learning
  • Models-Based Approach
  • PHE Community
  • Healthy School Communities
  • Fundamental Movement Skills
  • Dance Education
  • Digital Literacy
  • Health Education
  • Financial Literacy
  • Physical Education
  • Sex Education
  • Educational Leadership
  • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Teacher Education
  • Mental Health
  • Substance Use
  • Truth & Reconciliation

Search Results

SORT BY:

Raising the Standard: Why Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Matters in Canada.

Arlette Ibrahim
May 14, 2025
benchmarks advertisement

What is Comprehensive Sexual Health Education?

Comprehensive sexual health education (CSHE) provides children and youth with the information and skills needed to enhance their sexual health and well-being throughout their lifespan (SIECCAN, 2019). CSHE goes beyond the biological aspects of sexual health (e.g., puberty, preventing sexually transmitted infections [STIs]) and includes the positive aspects of sexuality. For example, CSHE includes concepts related to bodily autonomy, consent, identity development, sexual rights, values and ethics, communication skills, and healthy, respectful relationships.  

The Benefits of CSHE: Empowering Youth for a Healthier & Safer Future 

There is strong evidence that CSHE can provide children and youth with the information, motivation, and skills to enhance their sexual health and reduce outcomes that can negatively impact their sexual health and well-being (SIECCAN, 2019; 2020; 2023). For instance, CSHE can improve knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, the use of safer sex strategies (e.g., contraception, using barriers), and reduce attitudes that contribute to gender-based violence (e.g., homophobia, gender inequitable attitudes; SIECCAN 2019, 2024).  
 
Children and youth also gain invaluable skills and knowledge from participating in CSHE programs, which are also applicable to broader health literacy. CSHE incorporates media literacy, teaching students to differentiate between misleading or fake health information and, in turn, seek higher-quality, trustworthy sources (Park & Kwon, 2018; Schleicher, 2022). Additionally, CSHE raises awareness of the social, historical, and systemic factors that affect health, equipping students to navigate barriers when accessing services and supports (SIECCAN, 2019). 

Collaborative Efforts for Effective CSHE in Schools 

CSHE is essential in school settings, and Canadian classrooms have the potential to be accessible and equitable environments for delivering accurate and inclusive CSHE. Ensuring access to CSHE is a shared responsibility that requires the collaboration and support of families, PHE educators, schools, healthcare professionals, and community organizations (SIECCAN, 2019).  
 
In Canada, each province and territory mandates that young people receive some form of sexual health education (SIECCAN, 2019; Vamos et al., 2020). Most importantly, youth themselves have expressed a strong desire to learn about a diverse range of in-depth topics within school-based sexual health education, including sexual pleasure, knowledge of the body, ethics and values related to sexuality, and more (SIECCAN, 2024).  
 
Creating a sense of belonging in the classroom can help students see themselves reflected in the material, leading to a deeper understanding, connection, and application of the content in their lives. In this way, we can contribute to both individual health and well-being and the overall health of the student and school community (Davis et al., 2023).  

Guiding Principles: Benchmarks for CSHE in Canada 

The Sex Information and Education Council of Canada (SIECCAN) recently published the Benchmarks for Comprehensive Sexual Health Education in Canada. The Benchmarks support PHE educators by providing a consistent, evidence-based tool to assess the extent and effectiveness of sexual health education that meets the needs of youth and positively contributes to their health and well-being.  
 
Informed by research with youth, parents/guardians, and PHE educators across Canada, the Benchmarks use a foundational, building-block approach to address 11 comprehensive sexual health education topic areas:

11 content areas. Autonomy and Consent, Values and rights, interpersonal relationships, 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

A foundational building block approach means: 

  • Content is age and developmentally appropriate. 
  • Content is reviewed and built upon in subsequent grades.  
  • Content allows for flexibility to accommodate neurodiverse youth.  
  • Sexual health topics are introduced as they become relevant to the lives of youth.  

Implementing the Benchmarks: A Guide for PHE Educators

The Benchmarks are aligned with the Canadian PHE Competencies Big Ideas and Learning Themes (pg. 28 & 29) for Health and Wellness Education, providing a structured framework for teaching youth about essential topics. For instance, the Benchmarks offer detailed information on: 

  • Teaching youth about bodies and reproductive health (Human Growth & Development Big Ideas).  
  • Exploring gender and sexual orientation (Identity and Relationships Big Ideas). 
  • Identifying characteristics of healthy relationships (Relationships to Self and Others Learning Theme). 
  • Understanding sexual consent (Caring Behaviours and Boundaries Learning Theme). 
  • Identifying credible sexual health content (Digital Literacy Learning Theme).  
  • Understanding the connection between sexual health, mental health, and physical health (Wholistic Interconnection Learning Theme). 
PHE Canada competencies wheel

By utilizing the Benchmarks in conjunction with the Canadian PHE Competencies’ Health and Wellness Education Competencies Wheel, PHE educators can gain a comprehensive understanding of the detailed content needed for effective CSHE instruction across various ages and grades.  

Looking Ahead: A Call to Action for PHE Educators 

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. In fact, 83% of youth and approximately 76% of parents/guardians believe that access to CSHE in schools is a basic human right for all children and youth (SIECCAN, 2024).  
 
Many observed Sexual Health Week from February 10th to 16th in Canada, but let’s continue to come together and commit to promoting the rights and well-being of youth in Canada. CSHE should not be limited to just one week or reserved for the end of the school year. It is essential that PHE educators and schools prioritize and consistently deliver CHSE throughout the school year (SIECCAN, 2019). Together, we can create a supportive and informed environment that empower youth to make healthy choices now and through their transition into adulthood.  
 
SIECCAN and PHE Canada encourage all PHE educators, administrators, school boards, and other stakeholders to advocate for and implement the Benchmarks and the Canadian PHE Competencies in their classrooms. By actively and intentionally collaborating with students, families, community organizations, and healthcare professionals, you can ensure that every student receives the education they deserve. Let’s commit to making comprehensive sexual health education a priority and work together to promote the rights and well-being of youth in Canada. 

For more additional information about the CSHE Benchmarks and other resources, check out the following: 

To connect with SIECANN online, visit:

black and white instagram logo black and white Blue Sky logoblack and white LinkedIn logo

Authors

Arlette Ibrahim
Arlette Ibrahim
Arlette Ibrahim joined SIECCAN in 2024 as a Project Coordinator. She completed graduate studies in public health with a focus in global health...
Read More

E-learning banner

Recent Posts

kids using vr
Incorporating Technology into Physical Education: Enhancing Engagement and Learning
[ Feature Article ] In today’s digital world, especially among teens, technology is everywhere. Dismissing it in Physical Education can hinder innovation and disconnect us from students’ needs (Martin & Hultman, 2022). Digital tools like gamified apps can boost motivation and engagement. Rather than resist its growth, we should embrace technology to enrich teaching and enhance student learning (Yau et al., 2022).
Read More
Authored by: Dyson MacLeod
person facing away from the camera holding a progressive pride flag
What Educators Need to Know About Alberta’s Gender Policy Legislation
[ Feature Article ] In light of Alberta’s new gender policy legislation, educators are navigating complex intersections between student well-being, parental rights and professional responsibilities. This article overviews Bill 27 highlighting what has changed, what remains, and what educators need to know to support their students with confidence and care. Rooted in learnings from the Ever Active Schools Alberta School Board Policy Clinic, it emphasizes practical strategies to mitigate harm, uphold human rights and foster inclusive learning environments.
Read More
Authored by: Kai Williamson
a group of youth smiling with a pride flag
The Well-Being Gap - Highlighting challenges and supports for gender-diverse youth health in BC
[ Feature Article ] In response to the surge in anti-transgender policies across the border and within our own Canadian classrooms, PHE Canada is focusing attention on current developments within our own communities, aiming to champion the rights of gender-diverse youth and areas for attention. The Well-Being Gap: Highlighting challenges and supports for gender-diverse youth health in BC, 2018-2023 provides an in depth look into the health of nearly 500 transgender and over 1000 nonbinary and questioning youth in British Columbia (BC).
Read More
Authored by: Martha Gumprich
benchmarks advertisement
Raising the Standard: Why Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Matters in Canada.
[ Feature Article ] Comprehensive sexual health education provides students with the information and skills needed to enhance their sexual health and well-being throughout their lifespan. Sexual health education is essential in school settings. This blogpost highlights how Canadian classrooms have the potential to be an accessible and equitable environment to deliver accurate and inclusive sexual health education. As well, this is a call to action for physical health educators to advocate for and implement sexual health education in their classrooms.
Read More
Authored by: Arlette Ibrahim
HRY Logo
Youth as Changemakers: Redefining Violence Prevention
[ Feature Article ] Healthy Relationships for Youth (HRY) is an evidence-based violence prevention program that empowers students through peer facilitation. Developed by the Antigonish Women's Resource Centre and Sexual Assault Services Association (AWRCSASA), HRY engages youth in vital conversations about healthy relationships. Grade 11 and 12 students receive youth-facilitator training for leading a series of twelve engaging, one-hour sessions for Grade 9 students in collaboration with their Healthy Living (Health Education) educator. The program's core mission is to reduce youth violence by instilling vital skills (e.g., communication, boundary setting, etc.) and understanding (e.g., consent, gender norms, social media, diversity and privilege, etc.) for fostering healthy relationships.
Read More
Authored by: Dr. Sarah Thomas, Taeya Jones
kids running in a gym
Moving Away From the Beep Test in Physical Education
[ Research ] This article delves into an argument for removing a mandatory Beep Test (i.e., 20 Minute Shuttle Run Test or PACER) in physical education programming. The aim and purpose of education and of various curricula across Canada, as well as the wholistic concepts of health and physical literacy are all discussed. A student-centered, Meaningful Physical Education approach is suggested as a way forward. Solutions to addressing specific barriers to removing the Beep Test from physical education programming are offered using a Meaningful Physical Education framing.
Read More
Authored by: Dr. Lisa M. Taylor