ABSTRACT

It is not enough merely to present information about sexuality to middle school/junior high school students, teachers must help them understand feelings. Only then will courses make a difference in how students feel about themselves and their physical and sexual development, how they relate to others, and how they are able to make effective, healthy decisions. Students will often share feelings and ask questions anonymously that they might otherwise not have stated aloud. A comfortable class atmosphere can help reduce anxiety. While it is essential for students to understand basic concepts about their physical and sexual development, genital anatomy and physiology, sexual functions, and other topics such as pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, birth control, rape, and sexual abuse, facts alone are not enough. Sexuality education offers a marvelous opportunity to provide vital information, life skills, insight, and perspectives that can make important differences in how students feel about themselves, relate to others, and approach day-to-day experiences and decisions.