New Guidance on Relationships and Sexuality Education for teachers, leaders and boards of trustees

Aotearoa New Zealand has just published revised guidance on relationships and sexuality education for primary and secondary schools.  The document offers guidance to teachers, leaders, educators and others involved in sex, sexuality and relationships education.  Describing the document as detailing “learning that can’t be left to chance”, the Guidance offers a coherent and national approach to strengthening teaching around relationships, health and sexuality.

The resource responds to feedback calling on schools to take more action against bullying, violence and child abuse, for schools to be more inclusive, and for schools to help students recognise the importance of diversity and respect in relationships.

The revision takes into account the impact of social media, increasing awareness of sexuality and gender diversity, and the availability of more sexually explicit and confronting online content including pornography. Māori and Pacific views of sexuality and the importance of respecting culture and family in relationships are emphasised throughout.

Professor Mary Lou Rasmussen, Head of the School of Sociology, and Distinguished Honorary Professor Peter Aggleton, also in the School of Sociology, served as a lead consultants to the review and updating process. 

Click here for more information.