A NEW sex education strategy for schools will aim to cut
Tasmania's alarming teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection
rates.
Education Minister Nick McKim yesterday launched the statewide program, saying children in every school would receive the courses.
Family Planning Tasmania said the lack of comprehensive coverage was evident in the state's "alarming" teen pregnancy and chlamydia rates.
"Some areas of Tasmania have teen pregnancy rates three times the national rate of 16 births per 1000," chief executive Glenn Campbell said.
Tasmanian State School Parents and Friends welcomed the news, but said parents must be given ample notification before children are taught so parents could withdraw their children if they wanted.
President Jenny Eddington said it was important young people were given adequate education.
"We're absolutely supportive of this while being respectful of families whose beliefs may make parts of the curriculum difficult," she said.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesman Rodney Croome said students were already surrounded by public discussion about same-sex relationships, so it was appropriate that schools provided a safe and structured environment to receive unbiased information.
"We welcome the inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex issues in the new strategy because having gay and lesbian relatives, or friends with gay parents, is a fact of life for many students," he said.
"The percentage of students who are same-sex attracted will also benefit from their relationships and sexuality being dealt with in an informed and non-judgmental way."
Mr Campbell said sexually transmitted diseases were high, with a jump among those aged 15 to 24.
"We believe these rates are indicative of a society and youth who have not been equipped with the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions," he said.
Mr Campbell said age-appropriate programs reduced vulnerability to abuse and could delay sexual activity and reduce the number of partners.
Schools choose and deliver the content, using their own teachers or paying outside agencies or both.
Education Minister Nick McKim yesterday launched the statewide program, saying children in every school would receive the courses.
Family Planning Tasmania said the lack of comprehensive coverage was evident in the state's "alarming" teen pregnancy and chlamydia rates.
"Some areas of Tasmania have teen pregnancy rates three times the national rate of 16 births per 1000," chief executive Glenn Campbell said.
Tasmanian State School Parents and Friends welcomed the news, but said parents must be given ample notification before children are taught so parents could withdraw their children if they wanted.
President Jenny Eddington said it was important young people were given adequate education.
"We're absolutely supportive of this while being respectful of families whose beliefs may make parts of the curriculum difficult," she said.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesman Rodney Croome said students were already surrounded by public discussion about same-sex relationships, so it was appropriate that schools provided a safe and structured environment to receive unbiased information.
"We welcome the inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex issues in the new strategy because having gay and lesbian relatives, or friends with gay parents, is a fact of life for many students," he said.
"The percentage of students who are same-sex attracted will also benefit from their relationships and sexuality being dealt with in an informed and non-judgmental way."
Mr Campbell said sexually transmitted diseases were high, with a jump among those aged 15 to 24.
"We believe these rates are indicative of a society and youth who have not been equipped with the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions," he said.
Mr Campbell said age-appropriate programs reduced vulnerability to abuse and could delay sexual activity and reduce the number of partners.
Schools choose and deliver the content, using their own teachers or paying outside agencies or both.
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