Theory vs. Practise is being taught

Furthermore, there was a lack of time spent on dispelling myths and misunderstandings such as how non-barrier forms of contraception, like birth control pills or intrauterine devices (IUDs) do NOT protect against STIs and HIV. Similarly, pre-ejaculate, while not the same as actual ejaculate, still carries the risk of STIs. This gap in knowledge leaves respondents ill-prepared in terms of understanding the mechanics of sex, establishing consent, and engaging in safe and pleasurable sexual experiences.

Some participants felt that their Sex-Ed experience was negatively impacted by the discomfort that their teacher felt around the topic of sex, which resulted in an abstinence-focused class. In total, the 2023 Sex Lives Report found that 4 in 10 young Canadians agreed that “Sex-Ed mainly pushed abstinence”.

One respondent highlighted the discrepancy between learning about STIs, and actually learning how to have safer sex. They noted that while information about STIs was included in Sex-Ed, there was a lack of emphasis or explicit instruction on sexual practices that would reduce the chances of getting STIs.

4 in 10 young Canadians felt that Sex-Ed stigmatized STIs.

The findings reveal that youth commonly associate negative emotions with Sex-Ed. Respondents shared experiences of being exposed to graphic and exaggerated information, which ultimately resulted in feelings of discomfort, anxiety, and shame surrounding topics related to sexual health and STIs.

The majority (63%) of young Canadians surveyed felt that Sex-Ed did NOT make them feel prepared for sex. Nick* from Fredericton shared that Sex-Ed “did not equip me or any of my peers with any relevant information whatsoever”. This is supported by the fact that 41% of young Canadians felt that Sex-Ed stigmatized STIs and 35% felt it stigmatized HIV.

*Pseudonyms are used