Introduction

  •  About background notes – what they are (content specific); they are linked to learning activities (possibly link to learning activity library)
  • May include links to other sections and pages e.g., learning activities, RSE essentials, resources 
     

S-U

Safer sex and contraception

Safer sex means not allowing a partner's body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids) into your body. It can also mean covering up parts of the body that might be infectious (e.g. herpes sores or warts) when engaging in sexual activity.

Read more

School grants

Since 2019, the WA Department of Health (WA Health) has offered small grants to WA schools to support their relationships and sexuality education (RSE) programs. The aim of these grants is to provide the resources that will assist in the provision of effective and comprehensive RSE. 

To apply for a RSE grant of up to $1,200, fill out the application form

School grant
Read more

Sex and alcohol (and other drugs)

According to La Trobe University's 6th national Survey of Secondary Students and Sexual Health1, 15.7% of sexually...

Sex and Alcohol

According to La Trobe University's 6th national Survey of Secondary Students and Sexual Health1, 15.7% of sexually active students reported being either drunk or high during their most recent sexual encounter.

The mixture of alcohol, drugs and sex is a potentially harmful combination for young people. These circumstances may typically be encountered, perhaps for the first time, at events such as parties, school balls and Leavers Week celebrations where risky alcohol use, experimental drug use and planned or unplanned sex may take place. Using alcohol and other drugs affects the ability to make informed decisions and can lead to regret after the event

Read more

Sex and the law

The material displayed on this page is intended to help teachers develop a basic understanding of sexually related aspects of the law. If there is a situation that requires legal assistance, expert advice should be sought.

Read more

Sexting

The term sexting (a combination of the words “sex” and “texting”) refers to the taking, sending, sharing, receiving...

The term sexting (a combination of the words “sex” and “texting”) refers to the taking, sending, sharing, receiving, and posting of sexually suggestive and sexually explicit images. More commonly young people will refer to sexting as ‘sending nudes’ or ‘dick pics’. ‘Sexually explicit’ or ‘sexually suggestive’ can mean different things to different people, but an image of this nature generally will include someone who is naked, partially naked, performing a sexual act, or posing in a sexual way. Generally, an image that is considered sexually explicit has the purpose of initiating sexual excitement for the receiver. ‘Sexts’ or ‘nudes’ could also include written messages, as well as videos, that are sexually explicit.

Fifty per cent of Australian 13-18 year old’s have engaged in sending nudes, however the vast majority of those who reported sending or receiving sexually suggestive images did so with only a small number of people and most commonly only with those they already had a romantic attachment1. In WA, 45% of teens in years 10-12 reported having sent a sexy written text whilst 58% reported having received a sexy written text. Again in WA, 36% of teens in years 10-12 reported having sent a nude/nearly nude pic of themselves, whilst 50% reported having received a nude/nearly nude pic.2

Sending nudes is often a way for young people to explore and express their sexuality, and it is becoming a common way for people in relationships to express their feelings and desires. However, sexting can raise issues of consent, privacy, harassment and legality and it is important for young people to realise the potential negative consequences of sexting. Providing support and effective strategies to this age group is essential for minimising any harm that may result from sending nudes.

Read more

Sexual identity

Our sexuality is a central part of what makes us uniquely who we are and is a major influence on our thoughts, feelings and actions. Sexuality is not just about sex. It covers a broad spectrum of things such as relationships, personal values, culture, attraction, thoughts, romantic feelings, sexual feelings, identity, expression and behaviours.

Sexuality isn't defined by who someone has sex with, it's about how someone feels and how they choose to identify themselves. This can include how someone is attracted to others – physically, emotionally, romantically, and sexually.

Some people may be attracted to women or to men or to both or to neither. People may have an emotional attraction to someone but not want to have sex with that person. People may have  a physical attraction to someone but not want to have a relationship with them. How we are attracted to people and the strength of these attractions can change over time.

Everyone's sexuality is different and these differences form a normal part of the broad range of human relationships and experiences.

A large part of growing up is working out who we are, and finding our place in the world.  So, like all other aspects of life, understanding sexuality can take some time for young people (and adults) to figure out. 

As a child is growing up and going through puberty, they are already navigating complex changes to their body, their brain, their hormones and their relationships. They are exploring and managing strong feelings.

Learning to understand their sexuality can be exciting, confusing, intense, scary, confronting, relieving, overwhelming, difficult or easy.

Most people know from a very young age who they want to have relationships with but for others it can take some time to figure out.

Sexuality can be the same for some people all their life and for others it can be more fluid or change over time. The most important thing to remember is that sexuality is not a choice, it is a natural part of who someone is and everyone has the right to feel comfortable and accepted for who they are.
 

Read more

STIs and BBVs

The majority of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are bacterial or viral infections and are usually passed on during sexual activity.

A few STIs are parasitic or fungal.

The types of sexual activity which can transmit infection include vaginal, oral or anal sex. Some STIs (such as herpes or genital warts) can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.

Blood-borne viruses (BBVs) are transmitted from person to person by blood-to-blood contact.

This occurs when blood from a person infected with the virus passes into the bloodstream of another person through a break in the skin or mucous membrane.

Some BBVs such as HIV and hepatitis B can also be sexually transmitted. 

Read more

Have a question?

Email the GDHR Team at gdhr@health.wa.gov.au

Contact Us