This paper looks at the challenges and rewards of putting research about adolescent sexuality, beliefs and behaviours into practice in schools and suggests some ways forward in the current challenging climate. Since its inception nearly 15 years ago the Australian Research Centre In Sex, Health and Society has had a dedicated Unit for putting research into practice. Adolescent research, both five-yearly national studies of young people in secondary school and two research studies on same sex attracted young people, have provided an ongoing evidence base for a number of practical initiatives which relate to sexual health promotion for young people and to developing programs for secondary schools. This area has proven to be one of the most challenging for having research evidence and “practice wisdom” sit side by side, both brining positives to any program The paper looks at the current state of play of sexuality education in Australian schools and at what has been learnt from undertaking research into practice initiatives using this body of research. It looks primarily at the consultative process for the development of the Talking Sexual Health materials which provide a national policy framework, parents’ resource and classroom materials for sexuality and their implementation throughout Australia. It uses the lessons gained from these processes to make suggestions about the role of evidence in creating change in the classroom and the value of partnership approaches. Finally looks at the way forward with a practical focus on the “how to” – what should we do?.
Conflict of Interest: None disclosed
Financial Support/Funding: The Project I Will Focus On Was Funded By The Commonwealth Department Of Health And Ageing In Australia
Sydney Australia, April 2007
more about this speaker
