Why is sexuality education important?

By Grade 10, 1 in 4 students are having sex, by Grade 12 the figure increases to just less than 1 in 2.
Positive attitudes about sexuality and clear expectations for behaviour in sexual relationships contribute to responsible teenage behaviour.
15 % of sexually active 18 – 24 year olds do not use contraception.
Research indicates that sexuality education leads to young people being more likely to delay sexual intercourse and to be better prepared when they decide to engage in sexual activity.
In 1999 the rate of teenage pregnancy in Australia was 18.1 live births per 1000 females in the 15-19 year old age group. However, for Queensland, the rate of pregnancy for young women aged 15-19 years was 22.4 live births per 1000 females. Only the Northern Territory and Tasmania have higher rates.
Contraceptive use is higher, and pregnancy and STI’s less common, where teenagers have easy access to sexual and reproductive health services.
Research suggests that approximately equal numbers of pregnancies are continued as ceased in the first 3 months.
There are approximately 12 000 -14 000 terminations of pregnancy performed every year in Queensland.
Early childbearing has been shown to have a more detrimental effect on a girl’s education than does her race, parents' socio-economic status or academic ability.
The future outcomes for many of these young parents can lead to a downward cycle of poverty involving low levels of income, status, occupation and respect.
Ideally, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education addresses broader issues such as decision-making, values and negotiation skills.