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Education

Relationships and Sexuality Education for Primary School Students

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study published in the journal Sex Education has shown that children can develop knowledge and confidence about relationships and sexuality topics through a specialized relationships and sexuality education (RSE) program. The study, conducted in Queensland, Australia, involved 148 students aged 9-12 and their parents/caregivers. The results indicate that students improved in knowledge and self-efficacy after participating in the program, while RSE at home was found to be limited to a narrow range of topics despite parents feeling confident to discuss relationships and sexuality with their children.

Key Takeaways:

  • The RSE program for upper primary school-aged children was delivered by specialist relationships and sexuality educators and consisted of a two-hour session, resulting in improved knowledge and self-efficacy among students.
  • Parents/caregivers (n = 174) and school staff (n = 6) were consulted as part of the study, revealing that RSE at home was limited to a narrow range of topics despite parents' confidence in discussing relationships and sexuality with their children.
  • The study highlights the need for support to ensure the delivery of RSE in primary schools.
  • The research has implications for those advocating for the inclusion of RSE in primary schools.
  • Financial support for this research came from Queensland University of Technology.

Statistics:

  • 148 students participated in the RSE program, ranging in age from 9-12 years.
  • 174 parents/caregivers and 6 school staff members were consulted as part of the study.
  • 92% of parents/caregivers reported feeling confident to discuss relationships and sexuality with their children.
  • After the program, students showed significant improvement in knowledge and self-efficacy about relationships and sexuality topics.

Sources:

  • VerticalNews. Investigators publish new report on Education - Sex Education. July 2, 2025.
  • Washing, K. et al. Relationships and Sexuality Education for Primary School Students: Results of a Pre-post Intervention Study. Sex Education, 2025.
  • NewsRx. Reports from Queensland University of Technology Advance Knowledge in Sex Education (Relationships and Sexuality Education for Primary School Students: Results of a Pre-post Intervention Study). Education Letter. July 2, 2025; p 460.

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