ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on relationships and sex education (RSE) as a sensitive issue. RSE has a reputation as a sensitive subject because of the intimate and personal aspects that are involved. The aims and goals of science and health education are complementary in addressing students’ understanding of the real world, whilst also enhancing their scientific and health literacy. Science and health are also closely related to students’ everyday life. Parents are a child's first teacher and are ideally placed to offer advice about relationships and sex, but some are unwilling to initiate conversations about sex, or when they do the frame of reference can be inadequate or inappropriate. Opposition to RSE curricula that have a more liberal content has been voiced worldwide by those with particular cultural values, religious beliefs or political agendas.
