Federal Funding for Sexual Education
Although there is no federal mandate that requires states to teach sexual education, there is federal funding available to assist with sexual education programs.[42]
Sexual education exemption
Just as teaching methods and curricula vary by state, excusal from sex education also varies by state. States may have an opt-out or opt-in policy. In some states, students can opt out of receiving sexual education without specifying a particular reason. In other states, students can only opt out for religious or moral reasons. In an opt-in provision, parents must actively agree to allow their children to receive sex education prior to the start of the sexual education.[5]
Setting and aesthetics
The setting of Sex Education appears to be modern-day Britain, in the fictional village of Moordale, with various elements that serve to place the show in an uncertain time and location. Modern technology, such as smartphones, exists, but the show features very few cars from after the 1990s, with most cars featured ranging from the 1970s to the 1990s. Police cars seen during the finale of series two appear to follow 1990s aesthetics rather than modern-day police cars. The show heavily features older technologies such as CRT televisions and dated household appliances. The décor of the Groffs' house is reminiscent of popular 1970s décor; Maeve's caravan is typical of the 1990s–2000s; and the Milburns' house is a more modern décor with a modern, "American-style" fridge. Moordale Secondary School shows some elements of UK secondary schools but also has a more American high school image. According to showrunner Laurie Nunn, the show's aesthetic is deliberate and an homage to the 1980s films of John Hughes.[25]
On 2 January 2019, the official trailer for the series was released.[26]
On 17 January 2019, Netflix announced that the series was on pace to have been streamed by over 40 million viewers within its first month of release.[27] According to Netflix Top 10 global viewership, Sex Education was watched for over 447,750,000 hours between 12 September and 24 October 2021.[28]
On July 15, 2022, a manga adaptation illustrated by John Tarachine began serialization in Kadokawa Corporation's Comic Bridge online manga magazine.[29]
Review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes reports that 91% of 80 critic ratings were positive for the first series, with an average rating of 8.10/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "Bawdy, heartfelt, and surprisingly wise, Sex Education is a raucous romp through a group of teenagers whose sexual misadventures are so thoughtfully rendered, adults could learn a thing or two from them."[30] Metacritic calculated a weighted average score of 79 out of 100 from 19 critics, indicating "generally favourable reviews".[31]
On Rotten Tomatoes, the second series has an approval rating of 98% with an average rating of 8.30/10, based on 57 reviews. The critical consensus reads, "Sex Education's sophomore season definitely has more going on, but by treating each new subject with care and humour, it leaves plenty of space for its characters to grow."[32] On Metacritic, the series has a score of 83 out of 100, based on reviews from 11 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".[33]
On Rotten Tomatoes, the third series has an approval rating of 98% with an average rating of 8.50/10, based on 42 reviews. The critical consensus reads, "With a seemingly endless desire to dive deeper into its characters paired perfectly with its talented ensemble, Sex Education's third season is a masterclass in brutally honest, brilliantly heartfelt comedy."[34] On Metacritic, the series has a score of 83 out of 100, based on reviews from 11 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".[35] The third series won Best Comedy Series at the 50th International Emmy Awards.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the fourth series debuted with an approval rating of 91%, based on 44 reviews. The critical consensus reads, "As sweetly empathetic and inclusive as ever, Sex Education's final season serves as a bittersweet -- but largely satisfying -- farewell."[8] On Metacritic, the series has a score of 70 out of 100, based on reviews from 17 critics, indicating a "generally favorable" reception.[36]
The Healthy Youth Act California
The Healthy Youth Act in California, a department of Education mandate on January 1, 2016, requires school districts to provide students with integrated, comprehensive, accurate and comprehensive health and HIV prevention education from trained instructors at least once in middle school and once in high school.[39]
The purpose of the act is to provide comprehensive, accurate and unbiased sexual health and HIV prevention education.[40]
Preventive education must meet all requirements of the law except for the requirements for specific contents of grades 7 to 12. All "education on human development and gender, including education on pregnancy, contraception and venereal diseases" (EC 19 51931(b) is by definition a comprehensive sexual health education and should be satisfied, regardless of what schools call it by name. HIV prevention education is defined as "the nature of HIV and AIDS, the methods of transmission, strategies to reduce the risk of HIV infection, and guidelines for social and public health issues related to HIV and AIDS" (EC 551931(d).[40]
The law has five main objectives:
California Comprehensive Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention Education Act
In January 2016, the California Healthy Youth Act amended the California Comprehensive Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention Education Act to include minority groups and expand health education. Before, it authorized schools to provide comprehensive sex education and required all materials to be made accessible to students with a variety of needs; it also focused solely on marital relationships. It now mandates that schools provide comprehensive sex education and states that "materials cannot be biased and must be appropriate for students of all races, genders, sexual orientations, and ethnic and cultural backgrounds, as well as those with disabilities and English language learners." Additionally, education must now include "instruction about forming healthy and respectful committed relationships," regardless of marital status. Furthermore, it is now required to have discussions about all FDA-approved contraceptive methods in preventing pregnancy, including the morning-after pill.[5]
In conclusion now requires that all sex education programs promulgated in the state should:[5]
Some critics state that young people's access to CSE is grounded in internationally recognized human rights, which require governments to guarantee the overall protection of health, well-being and dignity, as per the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, and specifically to guarantee the provision of unbiased, scientifically accurate sexuality education.[16]
These rights are protected by internationally ratified treaties, and lack of access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education remains a barrier to complying with the obligations to ensure the rights to life, health, non-discrimination and information, a view that has been supported by the Statements of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Committee, and the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.[16]
The commitment of individual states to realizing these rights has been reaffirmed by the international community, in particular the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), which – in its resolutions 2009/12 and 2012/13 – called on governments to provide young people with comprehensive education on human sexuality, SRH and gender equality.[16]
Other analysis show that comprehensive sex education is not an international right nor a human right because it not clearly stated in either a treaty or custom. By international law, states are required to provide access to information and education about reproductive health, but this does not require a sex education curriculum. It may take different forms such as mandating that local school districts create a system for providing information to students, or mandating that health clinics and practitioners dispense information to patients.[30]
As CSE gains momentum and interest at international, regional and national levels, governments are increasingly putting in place measures to scale-up their delivery of some form of life skills-based sexuality education, as well as seeking guidance on best practice, particularly regarding placement within the school curriculum. Sexuality education may be delivered as a stand-alone subject or integrated across relevant subjects within the school curricula. These options have direct implications for implementation, including teacher training, the ease of evaluating and revising curricula, the likelihood of curricula being delivered, and the methods through which it is delivered.[16]
Within countries, choices about implementing integrated or stand-alone sexuality education are typically linked to national policies and overall organization of the curricula. The evidence base on the effectiveness of stand-alone vs. integrated sexuality education programming is still limited. However, there are discernible differences for policy-makers to consider when deciding the position of CSE within the curriculum.[16]
As a stand-alone subject, sexuality education is set apart from the rest of the curriculum, whether on its own or within a broader stand-alone health and life skills curriculum. This makes it more vulnerable to potentially being sacrificed due to time and budget constraints, since school curricula are typically overcrowded.[16]
However, a stand-alone curriculum also presents opportunities for specialized teacher training pathways, and the use of non-formal teaching methodologies that aim to build learners' critical thinking skills. The pedagogical approaches promoted through sexuality education – such as learner-centred methodologies, development of skills and values, group learning and peer engagement – are increasingly being recognized as transformative approaches that impact on learning and education more widely. As a standalone subject, it is also significantly easier to monitor, which is crucial in terms of evaluating the effectiveness of programming, and revising curricula where it is not delivering the desired learning outcomes.[16]
When sexuality education is integrated or infused, it is mainstreamed across a number of subject areas, such as biology, social studies, home economics or religious studies. While this model may reduce pressure on an overcrowded curriculum, it is difficult to monitor or evaluate, and may limit teaching methodologies to traditional approaches.[16]
Apart from the different teaching methods, terminology also differs. Abortion, homosexuality and abstinence have connotations and definitions that vary by state and by nationality. For example, the word "abstinence" may refer to disengaging from all forms of sexual activities until marriage or may refer to only disengaging from sexual intercourse. Furthermore, the degree of sexual activity that "abstinence" connotes is often unclear, because sexual behavior that is not sexual intercourse may or may not be included in its definition. As a result, students are left confused about what activities are risky and teachers do not know what they can and cannot teach.
The term "comprehensive", is also falls on spectrum, therefore can be considered an umbrella term. CSE means something radical for some institutions while it can mean something moderate and even conservative for others.[25]
According to the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS), the guidelines for comprehensive sexuality education are as follows:[42]
The Healthy Youth Act Massachusetts
An Act Relative to Healthy Youth, or the Healthy Youth Act, is a bill (HD.3454/SD.2178) that would require any public school in Massachusetts with a sex education curriculum to be fully comprehensive. This would include materials that are age-appropriate, medically-accurate, LGBTQ-inclusive, and consent-focused. Content would address how to build healthy relationships and how to prevent pregnancy and STIs when a person does have sex. The Healthy Youth Act was initially filed in January 2011 and has been revised multiple times since. This bill is a framework that does not mandate a particular curriculum, but does require that schools where sex education is already being taught fit this framework. Parents will be given 30 days-notice to review the material and opt-out.
In 2021, the Healthy Youth Act was cosponsored by Senator Sal N. DiDomenico and Representatives Christina A. Minicucci, Vanna Howard, and Jack Patrick Lewis of the 192nd General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Bill SD.2178 has been advocated for over 10 years and has successfully passed the Massachusetts Senate, however it has yet to be passed by the Massachusetts House of Representatives[needs update].
Reactions to the Healthy Youth Act have been mixed, but it has gained increased support over the years. Some of its most dedicated supporters include Fenway Health, the Healthy Youth Coalition, The Massachusetts Healthy Youth Consortium, and Getting to Zero. The Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts states that "comprehensive sex education is about more than just sex – it helps creates a culture of consent, recognizes and prioritizes LGBTQ youth health needs, and gives young people the tools to build healthy relationships... We can combat sexual assault at its roots by teaching young people how to build healthy, respectful relationships". In 2018, a poll of Massachusetts residents showed that 92% of people agree that students should receive comprehensive sex education in high school. In a testimony in support of the bill, supporters claim that "sex education is a perfect opportunity for youth to develop skills like communication, healthy relationships, decision-making, planning, and critical thinking. Such life skills can contribute to their positive development throughout adolescence and into adulthood".
The Massachusetts Family Institute (MFI), a conservative organization that promotes traditional Judeo-Christian values and the bill's main opponent, highlights the article "Pornographic 'Comprehensive Sexuality Education' in Massachusetts Public Schools" on the front page of their website. This article refutes Planned Parenthood's claims, stating that "it’s no wonder that Planned Parenthood is pushing it in our schools. Planned Parenthood administrators know that if they sexualize young people, they will create new customers who seek out their abortion services, sexually transmitted infection treatments, and transgender hormone therapies". Instead, MFI argues that the Healthy Youth Act would inappropriately expose underaged youth to "pornographic" content that would encourage youth to engage in sexual behaviors, concluding that "state education officials and local school administrators ought to reject Comprehensive Sexuality Education as the poisoner of children that it is".
Sexual Risk Avoidance (SRA) curricula has been promoted in direct opposition to the Healthy Youth Act. Advanced by Ascend, this curricula promotes an abstinence-only approach to sex education. Within SRA education programs "Ascend works with SRA educators, community organizations and more as they educate youth using a primary prevention health model".
Sex Education Logo Season 4 Season 3 Season 2 Season 1 Genre Comedy drama • Sex comedy • Teen drama Release date January 11, 2019 – September 21, 2023
Comedy drama • Sex comedy • Teen drama
January 11, 2019 – September 21, 2023
Sex Education is a British teen sex comedy drama, created by Laurie Nunn, that premiered on January 11, 2019, on Netflix.
In February 2019, Netflix renewed the series for a second season, after Netflix revealed the viewership of the series within its first four weeks. The second season was released on January 17, 2020.[1]
On February 10, 2020, it was announced that Netflix has renewed the series for a third season. The news came after the launch of its second season in January 2020. Netflix made the announcement in a video featuring Alistair Petrie.[2] It was released on September 17, 2021.[3]
On September 25, 2021, Netflix announced that the series got renewed for a fourth season at its fan event Netflix Tudum. The announcement came only a week after the launch of the third season.[4][5]
On July 5, 2023, it was announced that season 4 would be the final one.
Socially awkward teenager Otis Milburn is ambivalent about sex, despite his mother being a sex therapist who is frank about all aspects of sexuality. After inadvertently assisting the school bully with his sexual performance anxiety, Otis sets up a sex advice business with Maeve—a confident but vulnerable classmate—to educate their fellow students in how to deal with their own sexual problems.
On November 28, 2017, it was announced that Netflix had given the production a series order. The series was created by Laurie Nunn with Ben Taylor expected to direct, who also executive produced. Executive producers were set to include Jamie Campbell and Joel Wilson via their production company Eleven Film.[6]On December 4, 2018, Netflix unveiled first look images and announced that the series would premiere on January 11, 2019.[7]
On February 1, 2019, Netflix renewed the series for a second season. Creator Laurie Nunn will continue to executive produce alongside Eleven’s Jamie Campbell and Ben Taylor, who served as a director on season one with Kate Herron. Sian Robins-Grace co-executive produces.[1] November 11, 2019, Netflix unveiled first look images[8] and announced on November 25, 2019 that the series would premiere on January 17.[9]
On February 10, 2020, Netflix renewed the series for a third season.[2] On June 24, 2021 it was announced that the series would premiere on September 17, 2021.
On May 17, 2018, Gillian Anderson, Asa Butterfield, Ncuti Gatwa, Connor Swindells, and Kedar Williams-Stirling joined the series main cast.[10] On September 24, 2020, Jason Isaacs, Jemima Kirke and Dua Saleh joined the series cast.[11][12] On April 12, Simone Ashley appeared on U.K. network ITV’s This Morning, where she revealed that she will not be returning for the fourth season.[13] On July 5, 2022, Patricia Allison appeared on U.K. radio’s Capital Xtra Breakfast podcast, where she revealed that she will not be returning for the fourth season. On July 13, 2022, Radio Times magazine revealed that Tanya Reynolds will not be returning for the fourth season. On August 1, 2022, Radio Times magazine revealed that Rakhee Thakrar will not be returning for the fourth season. On August 3, 2022, Variety magazine revealed that Ncuti Gatwa will be returning for the fourth season. On August 19, 2022, it was announced that Dan Levy, Thaddea Graham, Marie Reuther, Felix Mufti, Anthony Lexa, Alexandra James and Imani Yahshua joined the cast. On October 14, 2022, Lisa McGrillis appeared on U.K. network BBC One’s Breakfast, where she revealed that she joined the cast. On December 7, 2022, What’s on Netflix revealed that Andi Osho joined the cast. On February 19, 2023, Variety magazine revealed that Jodie Turner-Smith joined the cast. On March 3, 2023, Eshaan Akbar revealed that he joined the cast. On July 6, 2023, Digital Spy revealed that Jim Howick and Rakhee Thakrar were going to appear in one episode of the fourth season.
Filming for the series took place in the Wye Valley in England and Wales, including locations in Llandogo, Tintern, and also in Penarth in 2018. The scenes set at Moordale Secondary School were filmed at the former campus of the University of South Wales in Caerleon, Newport.[14] Production on season two took place in spring 2019 in the UK.[1]
The third season shoot of the series was among the latest UK productions impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eleven Film was due to go into production on the series in Wales in May 2020, but plans changed amid strict social distancing measures being extended for a least another three weeks.[15] Netflix had a hopeful target of August, 2020 to get the series back into production amid the coronavirus pandemic, but it wasn't officially as the situation with COVID-19 developed quickly.[16] The series officially went into production in September 2020 in Wales. Netflix announced production had officially started in a video post on Twitter.[17][18]
On August 5, 2022, Asa Butterfield confirmed that the fourth season of the series began filming. On August 19, 2022, it was announced that the fourth season was officially production.
On February 10, 2023, the filming of the fourth season was officially wrapped.
Sex Education Season 2 Trailer 2 Netflix
Sex Education Season 2 Official Trailer Netflix
Sex Education Season 3 Announcement Netflix
Moordale Secondary - Official Advert - Enrol today for a Brighter Future! - Sex Education
Sex Education - Season 3 - Official Trailer - Netflix
Sex Education - Season 3 - Trailer 2 - Netflix
Sex Education - Behind-The-Scenes Season 3 Set Tour With The Cast!
The Otis-Ruby-Eric-Adam Double Date - Sex Education - Netflix
Sex Education Season 3 Bloopers - Netflix
Sex Education- Season 4 - Official Teaser - Netflix
Sex Education- Season 4 - Official Trailer - Netflix
Sex Education- Season 4 - Final Trailer - Netflix
Sex education instruction method
Comprehensive sex education (CSE) is an instructional approach aimed at providing individuals, particularly young people, with accurate, holistic information about sexuality, relationships, and reproductive health. Unlike abstinence-only education, CSE includes a broad curriculum that covers topics such as safe sex practices, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sexual orientation, gender identity, and relationship skills. This approach seeks to empower individuals to make informed, responsible decisions regarding their sexual health and to promote respect and equality in sexual relationships.[1][2][3]
CSE is widely supported by health organizations for its effectiveness in improving public health outcomes. Research shows that comprehensive sex education contributes to reduced rates of unintended pregnancies and STIs, delayed initiation of sexual activity, and increased use of contraceptives among sexually active youth. Furthermore, CSE addresses the diverse needs of young people, including LGBTQ+ youth and individuals from various cultural backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and helping reduce health disparities across communities.[4]
In the United States, the implementation of CSE varies significantly across states due to decentralized education policies. Some states mandate CSE or HIV education, while others continue to prioritize abstinence-based programs. The debate around CSE often involves ideological and political conflicts, with advocates emphasizing its health benefits and critics raising concerns about age-appropriateness and cultural values. Internationally, CSE is recognized by agencies like UNESCO and the World Health Organization as a critical component of human rights and adolescent development, with recommended integration into school curricula for its role in enhancing both individual well-being and public health.
As of 2019, sex education in the United States is mandated at the state level, with individual states, districts, and school boards responsible for determining the implementation of federal policy and funds for sex education. Currently, 24 out of the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia mandate general sex education, while 34 states mandate HIV education. Notably, in states where sex education is mandated, there is no federal policy requiring the instruction of comprehensive sex education.
During the George W. Bush administration, conservative Republicans in Congress strongly supported abstinence-only-until-marriage sex education. Conversely, under the Barack Obama administration, there was opposition to abstinence-only education, with suggestions to eliminate it. With advent of President Trump's administration, the federal agenda reverted back to supporting an abstinence-based approach.
According to the 2014 School Health Places and Practices Study conducted by he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, high school courses, on average, dedicate 6.2 hours of class time to human sexuality, with a notable emphasis on abstinence. However, the same study found that 4 hours or less are typically allocated to topics such as HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy prevention.
Studies have found that comprehensive sexuality education is more effective than receiving no instruction and/or those who receive abstinence-only instruction.[5] Acknowledging that people may engage in premarital sex rather than ignoring it (which abstinence-only is often criticized for) allows educators to give the students the necessary information to safely navigate their future sexual lives.[6] Additionally, young people that do not identify as heterosexual or their gender identity assigned at birth, have increased sexual risk behaviors and adverse health outcomes compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers.[7][8][9] Sex educators argue comprehensive sex education, which includes specific attention to minority groups, is essential for improving this health disparity and ensuring the livelihoods of all people, including LGBTQ+ youth, racial minorities, or students with disabilities.
CSE advocates argue that promoting abstinence without accompanying information regarding safe sex practices disregards reality, and is ultimately putting the student at risk.[10] For example, programs funded under AEGP are reviewed for compliance with the 8 standards (listed below in "Abstinence Education Grant Program (AEGP) Requirements), but are not screened for medical accuracy. Therefore, critics believe that students under these educational programs are put at a disadvantage because it prevents them from making informed choices about their sexual health. Additionally, under these AEGP programs, health educators have referred to those that engage in sex, especially females, as "dirty" and "used". They have also used phrases such as "stay like a new toothbrush, wrapped up and unused" and "chewed-up gum" to teach abstinence. Under a CSE model, language would be more sensitive.
There is clear evidence that CSE has a positive impact on sexual and reproductive health (SRH), notably in contributing to reducing STIs, HIV and unintended pregnancy.[11] Sexuality education does not hasten sexual activity but has a positive impact on safer sexual behaviours and can delay sexual debut.[12] A 2014 review of school-based sexuality education programmes has demonstrated increased HIV knowledge, increased self-efficacy related to condom use and refusing sex, increased contraception and condom use, a reduced number of sexual partners and later initiation of first sexual intercourse.[13] A Cochrane review of 41 randomized controlled trials in Europe, the United States, Nigeria and Mexico also confirmed that CSE prevents unintended adolescent pregnancies.[14] CSE is very beneficial in regards to teen pregnancy because studies show that, teen pregnancy and childbearing have a significant negative impact on high school success and completion, as well as future job prospects.[5] A study in Kenya, involving more than 6,000 students who had received sexuality education led to delayed sexual initiation, and increased condom use among those who were sexually active once these students reached secondary school compared to more than 6,000 students who did not receive sexuality education.[15][16] CSE also reduces the frequency of sex and the number of partners which in turn also reduces the rates of sexually transmitted infections.[5]
UNAIDS and the African Union have recognized CSE's impact on increasing condom use, voluntary HIV testing and reducing pregnancy among adolescent girls and have included comprehensive, age-appropriate sexuality education as one of the key recommendations to fast track the HIV response and end the AIDS epidemic among young women and girls in Africa.[17][16]
As the field of sexuality education develops, there is increasing focus on addressing gender, power relations and human rights in order to improve the impact on SRH outcomes. Integrating content on gender and rights makes sexuality education even more effective.[18] A review of 22 curriculum-based sexuality education programmes found that 80 per cent of programmes that addressed gender or power relations were associated with a significant decrease in pregnancy, childbearing or STIs. These programmes were five times as effective as those programmes that did not address gender or power.[19] CSE empowers young people to reflect critically on their environment and behaviours, and promotes gender equality and equitable social norms, which are important contributing factors for improving health outcomes, including HIV infection rates. The impact of CSE also increases when delivered together with efforts to expand access to a full range of high- quality, youth-friendly services and commodities, particularly in relation to contraceptive choice.[20][16]
A global review of evidence in the education sector also found that teaching sexuality education builds confidence,[21] a necessary skill for delaying the age that young people first engage in sexual intercourse, and for using contraception, including condoms. CSE has a demonstrated impact on improving knowledge, self-esteem, changing attitudes, gender and social norms, and building self-efficacy.[16]
Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPP)
More recently legislation has pushed for funding that goes beyond abstinence only education.[42] In 2010, President Obama introduced the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPP), which provides a total of $114.5 million annually to sex education programs that are "medically accurate and age-appropriate."[5][42] TPP falls under a subsection of United States Department of Health and Human Services ("HHS") which is overseen by the Office of Adolescent Health. Funding for TPP is dispersed if "they emulate specific evidence-based programs promulgated under TPP."[5]
SEX EDUCATION TO ADOLESCENTS 18/05/2009
A. Background of the Problem
Adolescence is a phase of human development whereby someone experiences dramatic changes from a sexual to sexual. These changes mainly are marked by development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics. The development of sexual characteristics then causes development of sexual behavior such as attracted to another gender and having sexual drive. Sexual behavior of adolescents can lead to severe problems if it expressed uncotrolly or against the morality values. In fact, uncontrolled sexual behavior harms adolescents for three main reasons.
First of all, adolescents who have uncontrolled sexual behavior have high risk for fail in school. Sexual behavior such as dating causes adolescents ignore their time for leaning. Beside lack time for learning, they also face a concentration problem in learning. Therefore, most of them face fail in learning some subjects even fail in school.
Second, adolescents who have uncontrolled sexual behavior have risk of unwanted pregnancy. One of form sexual behavior is desire for making love. If adolescents don’t have good self-control, they have risk for getting pregnant. According to Alan Guttmacher Institute (2003) about 60% young people of the world experienced unwanted pregnancies. If young women experience unwanted pregnancies furthermore they face failure in finishing their studies. Billingham (1992) writes, “Pregnancy is the single most common cause of school dropout among girls; nearly 70 percents fail to complete high school”.
Finally, adolescents who have uncontrolled sexual behavior also have high risk for infection with sexually transmitted deseases. Gonorrhea, one of sexual deseases, spreads through sexual intercourse. Adolescents will infect this desease if they have sexual intercourse with a person who already infection with this desease. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which have been known as the most horrified desease because there is no medicine for it, also spread through sexual intercourse. So, sexual intercourse outside of marriage has high risk for infection with AIDS/HIV. Research showed that up to 60 percents of HIV in young women occur by the age of 20 (Alan Guttmacher Institute, 2003). According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2009), in the United States, in 2006, an estimated 5,259 young people aged 13-24 in the 33 states reporting to CDC were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, representing about 14% of the persons diagnosed that year.
In summary, uncontrolled sexual behavior is harms the future and health of adolescents. Therefore, it must be prevented. According to some experts, such as Singgih Gunarso, Sarwono, Guno Asmoro, and Forest, sex education is the right choice for preventing this phenomena. Moreover, it must be given to young people prior adolescence.
In order to reach the aims of sex education correctly, some important aspects of sex education must be understood. First, what is sex education? Second, what are the aims of sex education to adolescents? Third, how should sex education to adolescents be given? Fourth, what material should be given in sex education to adolescents? Finally, who should give sex education to adolescents?
Key words: adolescents, sexual behavior, and sex education.
Based on some question above, there are five important aspects will be discussed in this paper.
1. What is Sex Education?
There are some experts who give the definitions about sex education. Sarwono (2002: 188-189), says, “Pendidikan seks bukanlah penerangan tentang seks semata-mata. Pendidikan seks adalah suatu informasi mengenai seksualitas manusia secara jelas dan benar, yang meliputi terjadinya pembuahan, kehamilan, sampai kelahiran, tingkah laku seksual, hubungan seksual, dan aspek-aspek kesehatan, kejiwaan dan masyarakat”. According to Sarwono, sex education is not only information about sex but also human sexuality including conception, child birth, sexual behavior relating to health, psychological, and sociological aspects.
Simon Forest, a director of UK Sex Education Forum, states, “Sex education, which is sometimes called sexuality education or sex and relationship education, is the process of acquiring information and forming attitudes and belief about sex, sexual identity, relationships and intimacy”.
Based on two definitions above, sex education can be understood as follows:
a. It is the process of acquiring information about human sexuality such as conception, pregnancy, child birth, sexual behavior, reproductive health, sexually transmitted diseases, etc.
b. It is the process of developing attitudes and values relating to human sexuality.
c. It is the process of developing interpersonal skills.
d. It is the process of developing responsibility.
2. What are the Aims of Sex Education to Adolescents?
Young people, especially adolescents must be given sex education in order to:
a. help them obtain the clear and correct knowledge about sexuality;
b. make them proud of their own sex;
c. help them develop responsible sexual behavior;
d. help them develop relationship skills;
e. help them develop an ability to make decisions over their lifetime.
3. How should Sex Education to Adolescents be Given?
There some principles that should be considered giving sex education. First, sex education is the goal oriented activity. Second, the information should be given naturally, objectively, and undoubtly. Third, sex education can be given individually and in groups. Fourth, it can be given as a preventive or corrective action. Finally, it should be given repeatedly.
4. What material should be Given in Sex Education to Adolescents?
The aims of sex education decide what material should be given in this education. Based on its aims, the main material of sex education can be developed as follows:
a. Information about human sexuality including growth and development, human reproduction, anatomy and physiology of genital organs, pregnancy, childbirth, parenthood, contraception, abortion, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases.
b. Values and attitude about reproductive health, family life, marriage, parenthood, and condusive relationship for growing of children.
c. Relationship and interpersonal skills including self-respect, empathy for others, communication, and assertiveness.
5. Who should Give Sex Education to Adolescents?
Sex education should not be given by any person for two reasons. First, it is a kind of education. So, it can only be done by educators. Second, its materials has the wide scope. So, it can only mastered by certain persons.
Based on discussion above, it can be stated that sex education to adolescents must be held by the right persons. Prabhu (2006) proposes, “Sexuality education should be taught by specially trained teachers or professionals or by trained peer groups”.
Sex educators, according to Prabhu, are teachers who have been trained for giving sex education and professionals such as physicians, psychologists, and counselors. Peer groups also can be sex educators if they have been trained for this education.
How about parents and teachers? Eventhough parents and teachers are not sex educators for adolescents, they should be involved in developing a program because of their responsibility as educators.
In conclusion, sex education is viewed as the best way of preventing adolescents’ uncontrolled behavior. But there is a notice for it. It will succeed if its exercution based on the right understanding about it. So, person who will be the sex educator to adolescents must understand about the meaning, the aims, and the materials of sex education needed adolescents. They must understand the requirements for sex educators.
Alan Guttmacher Institute. (2003) “Sexual and Reproductive Health Education and Services for Adolescents”. http://www.gutmacher.edu (accessed: November 24, 2008).
Billingham, Khaterine. (1992) Developmental Psychology for the Health Care Professions: Parts I – Prenatal Through Adolescents Development. Colorado: Westview Press.
CDC. (2009) “Sexual Risk Behavior.” http://www.cdc.gov/ (accessed: April 20, 2009).
Forrest, Simon. (2006) “Sex Education that Works” http://www.evert.or/educate.html. (Accessed: December 3, 2008).
Prabhu, Vithal. (2006) “Sex Education.” http://www.healthlibrary.com/reading/index.html. Accessed: December 3, 2007).
Sarlito Wirawan Sarwono. (2004) Psikologi Remaja. Jakarta: PT Raja Grafindo Persada.
English Speech, Sex Education
Belakangan ini kasus mengenai seks bebas dan kehamilan pada usia dini banyak tersebar di dunia maya. Selain itu, menurut data dari Kemenkes pada 2021 terdapat 558.618 orang Indonesia yang mengidap HIV/AIDS yang mana angka tersebut terus meningkat dari tahun ke tahun.
Dari kasus tersebut dapat dilihat bagimana kurangnya paparan akan sex education pada masyarakat. Hal ini disebabkan karena sex education atau pendidikan seks saat ini masih dianggap tabu oleh masyarakat Indonesia karena anggapan bahwa hal tersebut tidak pantas untuk dibicarakan. Masih banyak pula yang menganggap bahwa sex education itu mengajarkan tentang hubungan seksual, padahal bukan itu fungsi dan tujuan dari sex education ini. Sebenarnya apa itu sex education? Apa yang dipelajari dan apa manfaatnya?
Sex education merupakan edukasi mengenai fungsi dan kesehatan reproduksi. Sedari kecil anak perlu diberikan wawasan tentang fungsi organ reproduksinya, hal ini dapat dilakukan dengan mengenalkan nama dan fungsi organ reproduksi. Setelah itu orang tua dapat memberi tahu bagian tubuh mana yang tidak boleh di sentuh oleh orang lain untuk mengajarkan bahwa si anak mempunyai kontrol terhadap tubuhnya. Hal ini akan membuat anak lebih menghargai dan peduli terhadap anggota tubuhnya.
Saat beranjak remaja, terdapat perubahan tubuh yang disebabkan oleh aktifnya organ-organ reproduksi manusia. Pada masa ini orangtua harus mengajarkan bagaimana mencintai setiap perubahan tubuh terjadi, terutama bagaimana cara merawat dan menjaga organ reproduksi anak. Pengertian mengenai bagaimana proses reproduksi terjadi juga sudah harus diberikan kepada anak. Secara tidak langsung, edukasi ini juga membuat anak belajar rasa tanggung jawab.
Komunikasi antara orangtua dan anak harus dilakukan secara dua arah. Memang benar beberapa anak akan merasa kurang nyaman saat membicarakan hal ini bersama orangtua, beberapa anak juga lebih merasa nyaman untuk membicarakan dengan teman ketimbang bersama orangtua. Tetapi apakah kita dapat mempercayakan informasi dari teman si anak yang pada dasarnya juga belum memahami secara penuh tentang edukasi seks. Pada persoalan ini orangtua memang perlu turun tangan, orangtua tidak perlu merasa takut atau menutup-nutupi bagaimana proses reproduksi terjadi karena hal ini justru akan membahayakan bagi anak. Dengan canggihnya teknologi saat ini anak akan mudah mengakses informasi mengenai hal tersebut yang mana dapat menyebabkan anak salah menginterpretasikan dan dapat berakibat buruk bahkan membahayakan bagi dirinya.
Pada dasarnya sex education ini mengajarkan tentang kesehatan organ reproduksi, hal ini juga meliputi pengenalan tentang kontrasepsi. Ini merupakan salah satu pencegahan dari penyakit menular seksual yang dapat membahayakan bagi tubuh.
Setelah mengetahui hal-hal yang dipelajari dalam sex education dapat disimpulakan bahwa edukasi mengenai seks ini penting karena telah mengajarkan bagaimana fungsi organ reproduksi, cara merawat dan menjaga organ reproduksi. Sehingga edukasi tentang seks dapat mencegah kasus-kasus seperti kehamilan pada usia dini, HIV/AIDS, dan pelecehan. Selain itu, dengan mengetahui pemahaman tentang seks dapat tercipta hubungan sehat yang jauh dari kekerasan. Itulah mengapa memberikan pemaparan ilmu tentang sex education merupakan hal yang penting.
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Lihat Ilmu Sosbud Selengkapnya
Jika berbicara perihal seks, di Indonesia terbilang suatu hal yang cukup tabu. Sejatinya, edukasi dan sosialisasi seputar seksual sangat disarankan untuk diberikan kepada remaja. Edukasi seksual merupakan solusi utama sebagai tindakan pencegahan penularan HIV/AIDS. Bahkan Organisasi Kesehatan Dunia (WHO) mengimbau seluruh negara di Dunia untuk memberikan edukasi seksual. Hal ini disebabkan karena risiko penularan HIV/AIDS dan penyakit menular seksual lainnya masih terbilang tinggi dikalangan remaja.
Bila mengacu pada data yang dimiliki UNICEF atau Organisasi Anak Dunia, pada tahun 2016 remaja dengan rentang usia 15 – 19 tahun ada sekitar 2,1 juta remaja yang positif terinfeksi HIV/AIDS dengan 1,2 juta adalah perempuan dan 900 ribu adalah laki-laki. Unicef juga menjelaskan bahwa kasus kematian akibat HIV/AIDS berjumlah 55 ribu pada remaja dengan rentang usia 10 – 19 tahun.
Pada tahun 2012, Survei Demografi dan Kesehatan Indonesia (SDKI) mengungkapkan, bahwa para remaja mengalami penurunan perihal pengetahuan manfaat kondom. Walaupun pada remaja yang sudah menuju dewasa, tinggal di daerah perkotaan dan berpendidikan lebih tinggi cenderung lebih paham dengan manfaat kondom guna mencegah HIV/AIDS, penyakit menular seksual dan mencegah kehamilan.
Masa remaja merupakan fase dimana keinginan untuk mencoba hal baru sangat kuat. Apabila tidak diarahkan dan dibimbing dengan baik, remaja sangat berpotensi terjerumus kepada hal yang negatif. Oleh karena itu, pemberian edukasi seksual yang tepat sangat penting untuk diterapkan.
Di sisi lain, edukasi seksual pada remaja bermanfaat dalam memberikan pemahaman akan risiko seks bebas. Pengetahuan ini bermanfaat pula sebagai bekal para remaja kelak ketika hendak berumah tangga di masa mendatang. Karena hubungan suami istri yang sehat sangat menunjang lahirnya keharmonisan dalam rumah tangga.
Salah satu alasan mengapa edukasi seksual jarang diadakan, adalah banyaknya kekhawatiran bila edukasi seksual dapat memicu remaja untuk berhubungan seks, seperti seks bebas ataupun seks pra nikah. Sejatinya, edukasi seksual adalah gerakan bersama guna melindungi generasi muda juga membantu generasi muda meraih masa depan yang lebih cerah. Dan realitanya, edukasi seksual cukup efektif menekan tingkat hubungan seksual di kalangan remaja, serta menekan angka penyakit menular seksual juga kehamilan yang tidak direncanakan.
Ikatan Dokter Anak Indonesia (IDAI) pun menyatakan bahwa para remaja perlu mengetahui dan memahami kesehatan reproduksi, agar wawasan yang benar seputar proses reproduksi dan faktor-faktor lain yang berkaitan. Dengan begitu, diharapkan remaja akan memiliki sikap dan tingkah laku yang bertanggung jawab perihal proses reproduksi.
Beberapa pengetahuan dasar reproduksi yang disarankan IDAI diantaranya:
· Pengenalan sistem, proses, serta fungsi alat reproduksi seputar aspek tumbuh kembangnya
· Bahaya penyakit menular seksual dan HIV/AIDS berikut cara mencegahnya
· Kekerasan seksual berikut cara menghindarinya
· Perencanaan pernikahan dan kehamilan yang tepat
· Pengaruh media sosial terhadap perilaku seksual
· Bahaya penyalahgunaan obat-obatan terlarang pada kesehatan reproduksi
· Pembekalan pengetahuan untuk membangun kemampuan komunikasi dan kepercayaan diri remaja dalam melawan hal yang bersifat negatif
Reproduksi adalah sebuah proses yang menjadi tanggung jawab bersama. Jadi, semua remaja perlu memahami aspek kesehatan reproduksi. Di sisi lain, hal yang tidak kalah penting dalam hal ini adalah didikan orang tua dan keluarga dalam membentuk karakter yang baik. Download aplikasi IHC Telemed di App Store dan Google Play dan nikmati layanan konsultasi langsung dengan dokter IHC dimanapun dan kapanpun. IHC Telemed, sehat dalam genggaman.
Sexual content in the media
Since 1997, the amount of sexual content on TV has nearly doubled in the United States.[43] Additionally, a study done in 2008 showed that nearly 40% of popular music lyrics contained sexual references which were often sexually degrading. These lyrics were also often accompanied with mentions of other risk behaviors, such as substance use and violence.[43]
Teens (ages 13–15) in the United States, use entertainment media as their top source for education in regards to sexuality and sexual health. Additionally, a study found that 15–19-year-olds in the U.S use media far more than parents or schools to obtain information about birth control.[43] Some studies have found that, "very few teen television shows mention any of the responsibilities or risks (e.g., using contraception, pregnancy, STIs) associated with sex and almost none of the shows with sexual content include precaution, prevention, or negative outcomes as the primary theme."[43] Television shows 16 and Pregnant and its spin-off, Teen Mom, which first aired on MTV in 2009 received major disapproval from some parents as they thought the shows glamorized teen pregnancy and motherhood. However, 16 and Pregnant actually led to a 4.3 percent reduction in teen pregnancy, mostly as a result of increased contraceptive use.[5] In contrast, other data shows that exposure to high levels of sexual content on the television causes adolescents to have twice the risk of becoming pregnant in the following three years, compared to those who were exposed to low levels.[43]
The film Mean Girls, directed by Mark Waters shed light on the state sex education in some parts of the United States. In the film the health instructor states, "At your age, you're going to have a lot of urges. You're going to want to take off your clothes and touch each other. But if you do touch each other, you will get chlamydia and die." This line is meant to be satirical, but it illustrates common flaws within sex education in the U.S. It depicts simplistic descriptions of sexual activity and implementation of fear without any legitimate basis.[5]
Comprehensive sex education is the main topic in the documentary The Education of Shelby Knox (2005) about Lubbock, Texas, which has one of the highest teen pregnancy and STD rates in the nation; the "solution" to which is a strict abstinence-only sex education curriculum in the public schools and a conservative preacher who urges kids to pledge abstinence until marriage.
In 2013, How to Lose Your Virginity was released, a documentary that questioned the effectiveness of the abstinence-only sex education movement and observed how sexuality continues to define a young woman's morality and self-worth.[44][45] The meaning and necessity of virginity as a social construct is also examined through narration and interviews with notable sexuality experts, such as former Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders, "Scarleteen"[46] creator and editor Heather Corinna, historian Hanne Blank, author Jessica Valenti, and comprehensive sex education advocate Shelby Knox.
Not only have films portrayed sex education, but so has social media. Platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and others are used as a tool to uplift the narratives of marginalized communities such as persons of color and LGBT persons in hopes to "strengthen sexual health equity for all."[36]
As a result of the mass amount of sex content in media, media literacy education (MLE) has emerged. It was created to address the influence of unhealthy media messages on risky health decisions, such as intention to use substances, body image issues, and eating disorders.[43] A study analyzed the effectiveness of a teacher-led MLE program, called Media Aware Sexual Health (MASH), which provides students with accurate health information and teaches them how to apply that information to critical analysis of media messages. This comprehensive sex education resulted in increased intentions to talk to a parent, partner and medical professional prior to sexual activity, and intentions for condom use.[43]
Due to knowledge gaps in most sex education curricula for teens, free online resources like Sex, Etc., Scarleteen.com, and teensource.org[47] have been created to promote comprehensive, inclusive, and shame-free sex education for teenagers.
This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0 (license statement/permission). Text taken from Emerging evidence, lessons and practice in comprehensive sexuality education: A global review 2015, 14, 15, 25, 29, UNESCO, UNESCO. UNESCO.
Adit D.A Putra / Aktivis Badan Pendidikan dan Kajian Keilmuan HIMPSIKO 2017
Seks…. Selama ini, jika kita berbicara mengenai seks, maka yang terbersit dalam benak sebagian besar orang adalah hubungan seks. Padahal, seks itu artinya jenis kelamin, yang membedakan laki-laki dan perempuan secara biologis. Sementara, seksualitas menyangkut beberapa hal antara lain:
PENDIDIKAN SEKS = VULGAR = TABU?
Pendidikan seks atau pendidikan mengenai kesehatan reproduksi (kespro) atau istilah kerennya sex education sudah seharusnya diberikan kepada anak-anak yang sudah beranjak dewasa atau remaja, baik melalui pendidikan formal maupun informal. Ini penting untuk mencegah biasnya pendidikan seks maupun pengetahuan tentang kesehatan reproduksi di kalangan remaja. Materi pendidikan seks bagi para remaja ini terutama ditekankan tentang upaya untuk mengusahakan dan merumuskan perawatan kesehatan seksual dan reproduksi serta menyediakan informasi yang komprehensif termasuk bagi para remaja.
Meninjau berbagai fenomena yang terjadi di Indonesia, agaknya kadang masih timbul pro-kontra di masyarakat, lantaran adanya anggapan bahwa membicarakan seks adalah hal yang tabu dan pendidikan seks akan mendorong remaja untuk berhubungan seks. Sebagian besar masyarakat masih memandang pendidikan seks seolah sebagai suatu hal yang vulgar.
Berdasarkan sudut pandang psikologis, pendidikan seksual sangat diperlukan bagi perkembangan remaja, dengan harapan agar remaja tidak memiliki kesalahan persepsi terhadap seksualitas dan tidak terjebak pada perilaku-perilaku yang kurang bertanggungjawab baik dari segi kesehatan maupun psikologis.
MENGAPA PENDIDIKAN SEKS PENTING?
Maraknya kasus kekerasan seksual yang terjadi belakangan ini tidak lagi hanya mengancam para remaja yang rentan terhadap informasi yang salah mengenai seks. Eksploitasi seks pada anak dibawah umur nyatanya juga sering terjadi oleh orang-orang terdekat yang bahkan dilakukan oleh keluarga korban sendiri. Meningkatnya kasus kekerasan merupakan bukti nyata kurangnya pengetahuan anak mengenai pendidikan seks yang seharusnya sudah mereka peroleh dari tahun pertama oleh orang tuanya. Tetapi persepsi masyarakat mengenai pendidikan seks yang masih menganggap tabu untuk dibicarakan bersama anak menjadi sebab yang harus dibenahi bersama untuk membekali anak melawan arus globalisasi yang semakin transparan dalam berbagai hal termasuk seksualitas.
Pendidikan seks seharusnya menjadi bentuk kepedulian orang tua terhadap masa depan anak dalam menjaga apa yang telah menjadi kehormatannya, terlebih bagi seorang perempuan. Pendidikan seks menjadi penting mengingat banyaknya kasus-kasus yang terjadi mengenai tindak kekerasan seksual terhadap anak dan remaja. Tetapi yang terjadi di lapangan justru orang tua bersikap apatis dan tidak berperan aktif untuk memberikan pendidikan seks sejak usia dini kepada anaknya. Mereka beranggapan bahwa pendidikan seks akan diperoleh anak seiring berjalannya usia ketika ia sudah dewasa nanti. Mereka seolah menyerahkan pendidikan seks kepada pihak sekolah sebagai sumber ilmu bagi anaknya. Padahal pendidikan seks sendiri belum diterapkan secara khusus dalam kurikulum sekolah. Kurangnya pengetahuan orang tua terhadap kebutuhan anaknya sendiri dalam mengahadapi tuntutan zaman yang semakin berkiblat ke arah barat menjadi faktor utama belum tersampaikannya pendidikan seks sejak usia dini di lingkup keluarga.
BAGAIMANA CARA PENYAMPAIAN PENDIDIKAN SEKS YANG TEPAT?
Jelaskan bahwa Tuhan menciptakan laki-laki dan perempuan yang memiliki perbedaan jenis kelamin.
Caranya cukup mudah, misalnya dengan menggunakan boneka ataupun ketika mandi. Perkenalkan anak secara singkat organ tubuh yang dimiliki, seperti rambut, kepala, tangan, kaki, perut, serta jangan lupa penis dan vagina. Terangkan juga fungsi dari anggota tubuh dan cara pemeliharaannya agar terhindar dari kuman penyakit.
Tegaskan pada anak bahwa alat kelamin tidak boleh dipertontonkan secara sembarangan. Tumbuhkan rasa malu pada anak
Untuk anak usia prasekolah, bisa diterangkan bahwa anak berasal dari perut ibu, misalnya sambil menunjuk perut ibu atau pada ibu yang sedang hamil.
Informasikan bahwa seiring bertambahnya usia, anak akan mengalami perubahan dan perkembangan. Perubahan yang jelas terlihat adalah ketika memasuki masa pubertas.
Tujuan dari pendidikan seks juga disesuaikan dengan perkembangan usia, yaitu sebagai berikut :
Memperkenalkan organ seks yang dimiliki seperti menjelaskan anggota tubuh lainnya, termasuk menjelaskan fungsi serta cara melindunginya.
Memahami perbedaan jenis kelamin (laki-laki dan perempuan), menginformasikan asal-usul manusia, membersihkan alat genital dengan benar agar terhindar dari kuman dan penyakit.
Menerangkan masa pubertas dan karakteristiknya, serta menerima perubahan dari bentuk tubuhnya.
Memberi penjelasan mengenai perilaku seks yang merugikan (seperti seks bebas), menanamkan moral dan prinsip ‘say no‘ untuk seks pra nikah serta membangun penerimaan terhadap diri sendiri.
Pembekalan pada pasangan yang ingin menikah tentang hubungan seks yang sehat dan tepat.
Memelihara pernikahan melalui hubungan seks yang berkualitas dan berguna untuk melepaskan ketegangan dan stres.
Amat disayangkan bahwa banyak orangtua yang belum memahami manfaat dan tujuan dari pendidikan seks. Ada yang menganggap bahwa pendidikan seks tidak diperlukan, sebab akan memancing anak ke arah negatif.
Terkadang orangtua juga sulit untuk terbuka dan memulai dialog mengenai materi seks pada anak, sehingga akhirnya pendidikan seks dianggap tabu. Jelas hal ini tidak benar. Sesungguhnya dialog seks perlu dibangun, terutama dalam keluarga.
Mudah-mudahan, setelah mendengar siaran ini, para pendengar dapat memiliki perspektif yang baru mengenai pendidikan seks (sex education), semakin meningkat kesadarannya mengenai pentingnya pendidikan seks sejak usia dini, serta memiliki pemahaman yang benar mengenai cara penyampaian sex education yang tepat.
2019 British comedy-drama television series
Sex Education is a British teen sex comedy drama television series created by Laurie Nunn for Netflix. It follows the lives of the teenagers and adults in the fictional town of Moordale as they contend with various personal dilemmas, often related to sexual intimacy. It stars an ensemble cast that includes Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey, Connor Swindells, Kedar Williams-Stirling, Alistair Petrie, Mimi Keene, and Aimee Lou Wood.
The first series was released on Netflix on January 11, 2019. The second, third and fourth series followed in January 2020, September 2021 and September 2023, respectively. Sex Education has received critical acclaim for its performances, writing, directing, production value, and mature treatment of its themes.[2] The programme has been a viewership success, with over 40 million viewers streaming the first series after its debut. Wood won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Female Comedy Performance for her role in the second series, and the third series won Best Comedy Series at the 50th International Emmy Awards.
Sex Education primarily follows Otis Milburn, a student at Moordale Secondary School. Otis begins the series ambivalent about sex, in part because his single mother, Jean Milburn, is a sex therapist who frequently has affairs with male suitors but does not maintain romantic relationships.
Other students at Moordale Secondary include Eric Effiong, Otis's best friend and the gay son of Ghanaian-Nigerian immigrants; Maeve Wiley, an intelligent and rebellious teen with a troubled family past; Adam Groff, headmaster Michael Groff's son who develops a bullying nature out of his own self-loathing; Jackson Marchetti, the head boy struggling to meet the high expectations set for him; Ruby Matthews, Anwar Bakshi, and Olivia Hanan, members of a popular clique known as "the Untouchables"; Aimee Gibbs, an Untouchable who secretly befriends Maeve; and Lily Iglehart, a writer of alien erotica determined to lose her virginity. The school is soon joined by Ola Nyman, whose widowed father, Jakob Nyman, begins a relationship with Jean. Otis's father, womaniser Remi Milburn, and Maeve's mother, drug addict Erin Wiley, later return to Moordale to reconnect with their children.
In the first series, Otis sets up a sex therapy clinic with Maeve to help the students of Moordale Secondary with their sexual problems.[3][4] Their business becomes a success, but tension arises when Otis finds himself becoming attracted to Maeve.
In the second series, new students arrive at Moordale Secondary, including Ola, who becomes Otis's first girlfriend. Maeve struggles to confess her feelings for Otis, Eric helps his former bully Adam come to terms with his sexuality, and Jean becomes the school's resident sex therapist as a chlamydia outbreak highlights the teens' need for better sex education.[5]
In the third series, a new school year begins as Otis is having casual sex with Ruby while Eric and Adam are made official. Maeve works with English teacher Emily Sands to apply for an exchange program in America, Jean expects a baby in the near future, and new headmistress Hope Haddon's plans to revamp Moordale Secondary creates conflict with the students.
In the fourth series, the students adjust to the new term at Cavendish Sixth Form College after Moordale Secondary is shut down. Otis competes with a rival sex therapist on campus while juggling his long-distance relationship with Maeve, who begins her studies at the prestigious Wallace University in the United States.[1]
On 28 November 2017, it was announced that Netflix had given the production a series order. The series was created by Laurie Nunn, with Ben Taylor expected to direct. Executive producers were set to include Jamie Campbell and Joel Wilson via their production company Eleven Film.[3][9] On 4 December 2018, it was announced that the series would premiere on 11 January 2019.[10] On 1 February 2019, Netflix renewed the show for a second series which premiered on 17 January 2020.[11] On 10 February 2020, Netflix renewed the show for a third series.[12] As part of a video and letter to its shareholders in April 2021, Netflix's co-chief executive officer and chief content officer, Ted Sarandos, confirmed that the third series of Sex Education was expected to be released sometime in the second half of 2021.[13] On 24 June 2021, it was announced that the third series would premiere on 17 September 2021.[14] On 25 September 2021, eight days after the premiere of the third series, it was announced that Sex Education had been renewed for a fourth series.[15] On 5 July 2023, it was announced that the fourth season would be the last.[1]
On 17 May 2018, it was announced that Gillian Anderson, Emma Mackey, Asa Butterfield, Ncuti Gatwa, Connor Swindells, and Kedar Williams-Stirling had joined the show's main cast.[16][17][18] On 16 July 2018, it was reported that James Purefoy had been cast in a recurring role.[19] Dan Levy, Thaddea Graham, Lisa McGrillis and Eshaan Akbar joined the cast in series 4, while Simone Ashley, Tanya Reynolds and Patricia Allison did not return.[1]
Filming for the first series took place at several locations in the Wye Valley in both Wales and England, including Llandogo, Tintern, Symonds Yat, Monmouth, and Redbrook. Filming was also progressed in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan during 2018. The scenes set at Moordale Secondary School were filmed at the former campus of the University of South Wales in Caerleon, Newport.[20][21][22] Scenes set in the swimming pool were filmed at the Newport International Sports Village complex. Filming for the second series took place from May to September 2019, and included scenes filmed in the Forest of Dean.[23]
In February 2021 during filming for the third series, production visited several locations in Kent. Filming took place at Shorncliffe Military Cemetery in Sandgate and the Hawthorne Trench, which both double as WWI locations in France for Episode 5. Production also visited the Harbour Arm in Folkestone Harbour to film a scene for Episode 7.[24]
