Understanding Comprehensive Sexuality Education: A Worldwide Narrative Review

Abstract

Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is curriculum-based teaching and learning of various dimensions of sexuality. By equipping young people with accurate information on sexual and reproductive health, CSE promotes healthier populations and fosters a more informed workforce, contributing positively to national economies. Although known to have many benefits, CSE is not universally accepted or implemented. The risks of HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence, child abuse, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unsafe abortion, mental health challenges, gender inequality, economic burden, and persisting taboo and stigma can be minimized by providing age-accurate and culturally sensitive CSE. This review delves into the definitions and importance of sexuality and CSE, emphasizing CSE's critical need in today's society to promote informed, healthy decisions and well-being. It explores the optimal age groups for introducing CSE, addressing age-appropriate content designed to equip young people with essential knowledge on body awareness, emotional development, relationships, and sexual health. The review further outlines the key benefits of CSE, such as reducing rates of STIs, unintended pregnancies, and gender-based violence. Finally, it provides a comprehensive overview of CSE's global status, examining diverse regional approaches, policy frameworks, and implementation challenges.

Keywords: adolescent and sexual health; narrative review; public-health education; sex education; sexuality.