Sex education is an important aspect of growing up and developing a healthy and informed attitude towards sexuality.

While the curriculum taught in schools may cover the basics, there are still a number of important topics that are often overlooked or skipped over. In this article, we will explore some of the things that you may not have learned in sex ed and why they are important for a holistic understanding of sexuality.

Sex is More Than Just Penetration

Schools often focus on the biological aspects of sex, which may leave some students with the impression that sex is solely about one body part entering another.

However, sex can take many different forms and can involve a wide range of activities, from kissing and cuddling to oral sex, anal sex, and more.

It’s important for students to understand that there are many different forms of sexual expression, and that they can choose to engage in activities that are comfortable and pleasurable for them.

Understanding this can help reduce shame and stigma around different types of sex, and can also help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by encouraging individuals to explore alternatives methods of sexual expression, such as non-penetrative sex.

STIs Can Happen to Anyone

Many sex education curriculums focus exclusively on how to prevent pregnancy and STIs, but often fail to mention the fact that anyone can contract an STI.

This means that individuals who engage in less “risky” types of sex, such as oral sex, can still contract STIs such as herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

It’s important for students to understand that getting tested regularly and using protection, such as condoms and dental dams, can help reduce the risk of contracting an STI.

Additionally, it’s important to understand that being diagnosed with an STI is not a moral failing or a reflection of someone’s character, but rather an unfortunate outcome that can happen to anyone who is sexually active.

Consent is Crucial

While many sex education curriculums emphasize the importance of using protection, few address the issue of consent. Consent refers to a clear and enthusiastic “yes” from all parties involved in a sexual encounter.

It is not enough for an individual to simply not say “no” – all parties must actively and enthusiastically consent to the encounter in order for it to be considered consensual.

Teaching students about consent from a young age can help prevent sexual assault and reduce the likelihood of unwanted sexual encounters.

It’s important to teach students about the importance of communication, and encourage them to ask for and respect their partner’s boundaries.

Sexuality is a Spectrum

Many sex education curriculums present sex and gender as binary, with individuals either being male or female and attracted to individuals of the opposite sex.

However, sexuality and gender are both complex spectra that involve a wide range of experiences and identities.

It’s important for students to understand that gender and sexuality are not fixed, and that individuals can identify as transgender, non-binary, pansexual, asexual, and many other identities.

Educating students about the various identities on the gender and sexuality spectra can help create more inclusive and supportive environments for individuals of all genders and sexualities.

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Pornography is Not an Accurate Representation of Real Life

With the rise of the internet, pornography has become more accessible than ever before.

While some sex education curriculums touch on pornography and its potential impact on sexual relationships, few discuss the fact that pornography is not an accurate representation of real-life sexual encounters.

It’s important for students to understand that pornography often depicts unrealistic and exaggerated sexual scenarios, and that it can be harmful to form expectations about sexual encounters based on what they see in pornography.

Instead, students should be encouraged to communicate openly and honestly with their partners about their desires and boundaries.

Sex Should Be Pleasurable for All Parties

Many sex education curriculums focus on the potential dangers of sex, such as unwanted pregnancies and STIs.

While it’s important to educate students about the risks associated with sexual activity, it’s also important to teach them that sex can and should be a pleasurable and rewarding experience for all parties involved.

Teaching students about pleasure and encouraging them to prioritize their own pleasure and the pleasure of their partner(s) can help reduce feelings of shame and guilt around sex, and can also help promote healthy and enjoyable sexual relationships.

Sexual Desire Can Fluctuate

Many sex education curriculums present sexuality as a fixed and static aspect of a person’s identity.

However, sexual attraction and desire can fluctuate over time and be influenced by a wide range of factors, from stress and illness to changes in one’s environment and relationship status.

It’s important for students to understand that their sexual desire can ebb and flow over time, and that this is a normal and natural experience.

Encouraging students to explore their desires and communicate openly with their partners about their needs and boundaries can help promote healthy and fulfilling sexual relationships.

Communication is Key

Sexual communication is crucial for building healthy and enjoyable sexual relationships. However, many sex education curriculums fail to teach students about the importance of communication in sexual encounters.

Encouraging students to communicate openly with their partners about their desires, boundaries, and concerns can help prevent miscommunication and misunderstanding, and can also promote a sense of intimacy and trust in sexual relationships.

Sex Education is Ongoing

Sex education is not a one-time event that takes place in a classroom – it is an ongoing process that involves continuous learning and reflection.

Students should be encouraged to seek out credible sources of information about sex and sexuality, and to continue to educate themselves throughout their lives.

Additionally, sex education is not just about the “mechanics” of sex – it also involves developing a healthy and positive attitude towards sexuality and sexual expression.

Encouraging students to embrace their sexuality and prioritize their own pleasure and well-being can help promote healthy and fulfilling sexual relationships throughout their lives.