Viewpoints of Minnesota Students on School‐Based Sexuality Education

This study gathered information on the perceptions of high school students with regard to human sexuality education. Six focus groups were conducted with 9th-12th grade students at public high schools in the Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, area. Students described the content of effective sexuality education as covering a variety of human sexuality topics as well as emotional/social aspects of sexuality and relationships. They advocated starting such education in early elementary school and covering all topics by eighth grade. Students strongly favored a presentation style that was open, honest, comfortable, and nonjudgmental, and they believed teachers should be specially trained in this area. Relating material to students' lives and using a discussion format were also considered essential to effective sexuality education. The students' viewpoints have significant implications for teachers, school administrators, and policy makers.