Recent research demonstrates student support for SHINE SA’s comprehensive relationships and sexual health curriculum. The study draws on surveys completed by 29,533 South Australian secondary students aged 12-16 years conducted over a 12-year period between 2006-2017.
University of Adelaide researcher Sophie Kedzior, analysed surveys of students who had engaged with lessons from SHINE SA’s relationships and sexual health curriculum. The results reveal long-term trends of student support for the curriculum. Results also highlight the importance of safe and supportive learning environments and show an increase over time in students selecting ‘consent’ as an important topic.
Relationships and sexual health curricula has developed over the years to incorporate topics far beyond the prevention of unintended pregnancy. A growing body of research has shown that an expansion of curricula to include topics such as consent and gendered expectations leads to better sexual health outcomes and prevention of gender-based violence.
SHINE SA follows an evidence-based approach, developing a comprehensive relationships and sexual health curriculum that is delivered in many South Australian schools. This curriculum incorporates student, educator and parent feedback to reflect student needs. SHINE SA believes that relationships and sexual health education is a shared responsibility between school, home, and community and therefore our curriculum must reflect their views.
Natasha Miliotis, CEO of SHINE SA said,
“South Australian students have shown that they want, and need, to engage in a comprehensive relationships and sexual health education program to develop life-long skills.
Students trust their schools
