School sex education, a process for evaluation: methodology and results

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Abstract
This study outlines a method used to evaluate sex education. Results from a questionnaire are presented from 3314 Year 11 students in 25 schools from non-metropolitan Britain. Over 70% answered that their sex education had included ‘a lot’ or ‘some’ education on sexual intercourse, contraception and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); 51% demonstration of condoms; 45% personal morality; and 36% assertiveness training including ‘how to say no’. Teenagers' assessment of sex education was varied but only the minority (44%) considered it satisfactory. Over 70% said they thought teaching a wide range of topics should start in Year 8 (aged 11/12 years), most (75%) wanted outside agencies involved in the teaching, (57%) did not want parents to provide ‘most of it’ and (70%) did not want it taught in single-sex groups. School was the most frequently specified source of ‘most helpful’ information on contraception (38%) and STDs (45%). Teenagers within schools perceived to deliver above average input on contraception and STDs were more likely to cite school as their most helpful source of information. Increasing input was not associated with increasing awareness of risks from STDs nor improved knowledge of contraception. The questionnaire and reporting of comparative findings back to the schools will allow an assessment of current practice and future change to sex education programmes.

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