Sex-Ed Across the U.S.A.

How much did you really learn about sex-ed in middle school and high school? Depending on where you grew up you may have had completely different sex-ed than someone from a different state. Sexual Health education across the United States is a patchwork of different approaches shaped by local policies, beliefs, and politics—that leaves students with unequal knowledge and resources 

What are the different sex-ed programs students receive? 

• Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Programs (AKA Sexual Risk Avoidance Problems): teaches abstinence is the only morally correct sexual behavior until marriage. Information about STI’s, condoms, and pregnancy prevention is often not included.  

• Abstinence-centered education: another term for an abstinence-only program 

• Comprehensive sex-ed: teaches that abstinence is the best method for avoiding STI’s and unintentional pregnancy and also teaches about condoms and contraceptive methods to reduce STI and pregnancy risks.  

• Abstinence-plus-education: teaches about methods of contraception and pregnancy and STI prevention in the context of abstinence teachings.  

Below is a map of the U.S. showing sexual education in each state, please note that the term “sex ed” used below refers to any of the programs listed above:  

As you can see, many states do not require education about sex or HIV, or only require either sexual or HIV education but not both.  

29 states and D.C. require a form sexual education in public schools  

5 require comprehensive sexual education.  

18 states require medically accurate sexual education (verified and factual information supported by evidence). 

9 states require discussion of LGBTQ+ identities in schools.  

So, what are the gaps in education? The numbers above indicate that there is inconsistency in sex ed programs throughout the country and when sex ed is covered what it includes vary from state to state. So, while you may have received sex ed, what you learned is likely completely different from your peers here at Cal Poly, even if you all went to school in the same state. 

Let’s look at another map of the U.S., but this time it’s what everyone wishes they learned about sex ed: 

It was found that most respondents wished they had learned more about: 

• Sexual consent and communication 

• Relationship health and recognizing abuse 

• Body image and self esteem 

• LGBTQ+ relationships and sexual health 

 In summary, everyone’s sex ed experience varies, but it’s critical to KEEP LEARNING. Chances are, we all have gaps in our sexual education knowledge or need a quick refresher. Knowledge is one of the easiest ways to keep yourself safe. 

Want to learn more? 

---> Check out our Sex Ed Canvas Course created by students for students. Also check out the Cal Poly Health Center for resources like condoms and low-cost STI testing.  

Sources : 

Sex Education and HIV Education | Guttmacher Institute 

https://siecus.org/the-talk-sex-education-survey/ 

https://www.statista.com/chart/18825/state-laws-sex-ed-in-the-us/ 

Sex Education Programs: Definitions & Point-by-Point Comparison - Advocates for Youth