Source: Fox News

The newly released United Nations Economic, Social and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) International Guidelines on Sexuality Education advocates for the universal right to accurate, non judgmental sexual and reproductive health education.

The guidelines divide learning objectives into four age categories: 5 to 8 year-olds, 9 to 12 year-olds, 12 to 15 year-olds and 15 to 18 year-olds.

Some of the specific objectives for the 5 to 8 year-old category include learning about:

• Private body parts that can feel pleasure when touched by oneself
• Basic information regarding conception, fertilization, pregnancy and childbirth
• The natural exploration of one’s own body
• Masturbation: the touching and rubbing one’s genitals  
• Cultural and religious messages regarding sex, gender and sexuality
• Gender roles, gender inequality and gender-based violence
• Consensual sexual activity and sexual abuse
• Male and female sexual organs
• Sexual diversity
• HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections

The knowledge-based guidelines provide a detailed framework for developing sexuality education programs and divide concepts into six categories: relationships; values, attitudes and skills; culture, society and law; human development; sexual behaviour; sexual and reproductive health.

Developed in consultation with Sexuality Information and Education Council of he United States and ETR Associates, the International Guidelines on Sexuality Education are intended as a resource to support educators and health professionals in developing school-based sexuality education programs. With the goal of providing youth with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to make responsible sexual choices, sexuality education empowers youth to enjoy healthy, fulfilling lives and relationships.

Click here to view the complete UNESCO document, which includes age-appropriate teaching recommendations and reference points for program assessment.