The importance of providing quality sex education for children and adolescents is recognized by public organizations, such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). The Oregon Department of Education (2022) publishes the Education Standards for Elementary and Secondary Schools. The standards introduce important definitions to develop understanding of gender identity, self-expression, raising awareness of healthy relationships, and the dangers of risky sexual behavior (Oregon Secretary of State Administrative Rules, 2022). The Act on Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth requires the establishment of support for sex education for young people (Congress, 2021). NASW supports legal propositions, initiatives, laws and policies to approve standards for sex education.
Social workers are aware that sex education aims to support the healthy development of young people. NASW fully supports the current policy and legislative development, but believes that more attention should be paid to this process. School social workers should be involved in school sex education to enable professional fulfillment (NASW, 2022). NASW (2022) advises that current standards for sex education may not be sufficient. The development of further legislative standards for evaluating the effectiveness of training programs should be a goal for joint efforts. Sex education in schools should aim to develop a stable, safe and prosperous society.
In conclusion, NASW encourages legislative initiatives to raise awareness of the need for sex education in schools and addresses the need for further development of the common standards. Despite the recognition of the importance of access to quality education, not all students can count on full-fledged sex education in modern schools. Through joint efforts between the state and public associations, it is possible to achieve a high level of sex education for the future benefit of society.
References
Congress. (2021). H.R.3312 – Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act of 2021. 117th Congress (2021-2022). Web.
Nacional Association of Social Workers (NASW). (2022). NASW Virginia co-signs statement on the need for better sex education (“Family Life”) in Response to “distressing” Education Department Report. NASW Virginia. Web.
Oregon Secretary of State Administrative Rules. (2022). Standards for Public Elementary and Secondary Schools (581-022-2050). Chapter 581, division 22. Human Sexuality Education. Web.