Gaps in Sex Education and Rising Rates of Adolescent Violence: A National Snapshot

A synthesis of recent research and surveys reveals significant gaps in Australian school sexuality education and highlights concerning rates of unwanted sexual experiences and relationship violence among adolescents.

Two separate research streams—a national survey of secondary students and a University of Newcastle study on curriculum gaps—provide complementary data on the state of youth sexual health.

National Survey on Adolescent Sexual Health (SSASH)

La Trobe University and the Australian government conducted the 8th National Survey of Australian Secondary Students and Sexual Health (SSASH) among 4,400 teens aged 14-18. Key findings include:

• Unwanted sexual experiences: 20% of respondents reported experiencing unwanted sex.
• Relationship experiences: 61% had been in a relationship. Of those, 37% reported feeling scared of a partner, and 18% reported experiencing physical violence.
• Sexual activity: 50% were sexually active, typically after turning 15.
• Condom use: Condom use is at its lowest level since 1992. While 80% had a condom available, only 51% used one. 10% relied on withdrawal.
• STI testing: Only 12% had an STI check-up.
• Sex education: 94% received some sex education at school, but fewer than half found it relevant. Fewer than one in four received sex education in years 11 and 12.

Lead researcher Professor Jennifer Power stated that the violence findings were unexpected. The report calls for government support for schools to deliver more meaningful relationships and sexuality education.

University of Newcastle Curriculum Study

Research led by Dr Jessie Sutherland from the University of Newcastle and HMRI's Family and Reproductive Health program examined sexuality education in Australian schools. The study's first author is PhD candidate and HMRI researcher Ava Medley. Researchers spoke with adolescents aged 15 to 18.

Factors Shaping Student Experience

The study identified three factors that shape young people's experiences of sexuality education:

• The culture around sex.
• What is taught in the classroom.
• Where young people seek information outside of school.

Curriculum Development Gap

Ava Medley stated that curriculum development involves professionals, community members, and parents, but does not typically consult students. This creates a gap between what adults believe is important and what students want and need.

Health Context

In 2022, Australians aged 15–29 accounted for 69% of Chlamydia cases, 48% of Gonorrhoea cases, and 31% of Syphilis cases nationally.

Curriculum Focus

The study found that while preventing teenage pregnancy has been a long-standing focus, pregnancy rates have more than halved since 2011 and represent about 1.5% of all births. Education focusing primarily on pregnancy avoidance misses broader aspects of sexual and reproductive health.

Fertility Education

Many adolescents have a limited understanding of fertility issues and factors affecting reproductive health later in life. Medley stated that untreated STIs continuing into adulthood can affect fertility, and better education about prevention and treatment at a young age could reduce infertility risks.

Information Sources

Young people increasingly seek information outside school, often online or from peers. These sources are accessible but not always accurate, creating public health concerns about misinformation.

Content and Inclusivity Gaps

LGBTQIA+ representation: Many young people reported that sexuality education largely focuses on heterosexual, reproductive sex with limited discussion of LGBTQIA+ experiences.

Consent education: Consent education is included but sometimes taught with vague analogies rather than clear, practical guidance. Medley emphasized teaching consent concepts from a young age with age-appropriate, explicit, and realistic examples.

According to UNESCO Comprehensive Sexuality Education Guidelines cited in the research, sexuality education should be introduced around age five, starting with basic concepts like "your body is yours" and building toward sexual consent as children age.

Recommendations and Potential Outcomes

Ava Medley stated that strengthening sexuality education in schools is a prevention tool that can reduce disease, support healthy relationships, and improve long-term reproductive health.

She expressed hope that translating research findings into policy would lead to measurable improvements in sexual and reproductive health outcomes and greater confidence among young people making health decisions.

She noted Australia has very low teenage pregnancy rates, and expressed a desire to see that remain low, along with reduced sexually transmitted infections. Outside physical health, she mentioned wanting more cultural sensitivity around sex as a topic and more supportive societal conversations to break down stigma.

The research was highlighted during NSW Youth Week, which focuses on young people's voices and experiences.