The large-scale study into the sexual health of young people in the Netherlands, ‘Sex under 25’, shows that young people are starting to have sex later, contraception is being used more effectively and there is less sexually transgressive behaviour. At the same time, however, condom use is declining, knowledge about sex has decreased, young people are dissatisfied with the quality of sex education lessons and acceptance of LGBT+ young people is still below standard.
“Schools have an essential role in the sex education of young people. By paying structural attention to the theme of relationships and sexuality, young people become more resilient (both online and offline), learn to communicate their boundaries more effectively and learn to deal with sexuality in a positive and healthy way. Attention to sex education helps prevent unintended pregnancies and STIs,” explains Sanna Maris, programme manager for Sex Education at Rutgers. “By experiencing for themselves how pupils respond to the lessons, teachers discover how valuable and enjoyable it can be to talk to them about relationships and sexuality.”
Week of Love
Schools can register online for the Week of Love. They will then receive a package containing gadgets to decorate the school and can take training courses to teach the sex education lessons effectively. Participating schools are encouraged to give at least one lesson on relationships and sexuality during the Week.
Sex education
Teaching about relationships and sexuality is not equally easy for everyone. Creating a safe atmosphere in the classroom, for example, is important. Teachers themselves may find discomfort with the subject a barrier. “Am I doing it right? Are the pupils learning anything? How do I deal with personal questions about my own sexuality?” With a teaching method such as Long Live Love, for example, you have a well-founded and effective method at your disposal that allows you to address the theme of relationships and sexuality in an enjoyable, simple and structured way.
Suzanne Meijer, programme leader for Young People at Soa Aids Nederland: “Many teachers appreciate taking Sex Education training before teaching the lessons. You receive practical tools for making difficult subjects open to discussion. Most Public Health Services offer the training before the Week of Love. The website lesgevenindeliefde.nl supports teachers who work with the Long Live Love teaching package. We also offer online training in how to use this teaching package. In addition, a Lovebuzz training course is provided for teachers of the first year of secondary school before the Week of Love.”
Long Live Love Awards
The Long Live Love Awards are an important part of the Week of Love. Through these awards, Soa Aids Nederland and Rutgers highlight the schools where sex and relationship education, sexual resilience and sexual diversity are a permanent part of the school curriculum. Schools where policies are in place to promote pupils’ sexual health and effective teaching methods are used. In other words, the awards go to schools that are positive examples for other schools and offer them inspiration to engage with the theme as well.