‘I make sure I am safe and I make sure I have myself in every way possible’: African-American youth perspectives on sexuality education

Abstract

High rates of youth pregnancy and STIs play a major role in the physical, mental, and emotional health of young people. Despite efforts to provide sexuality education through diverse channels, we know little about the ways in which young people perceive school- and community-based efforts to educate them about sexual health. Forty-eight African-American young people participated in six focus groups to discuss their sexuality education experiences. Three major themes emerged that highlight experiences and perspectives on optimal strategies for promoting sexual health. These themes were: 1) experiences with school-based sexuality education (SBSE); 2) seeking information outside of schools; and 3) general principles of youth-centered sexuality education. Young people in the focus groups expressed their varying satisfaction with SBSE due to the restricted content covered and lack of comfort with the instruction methods. Participants described how they reached outside of SBSE for sexuality education, turning to those in the community, including local organisations, health care providers, and peers, also expressing variability in satisfaction with these sources. Finally, participants identified three important principles for youth-centred sexuality education: trust and confidentiality, credibility, and self-determination. These findings give voice to the often-unheard perspectives of African-American young people. Based on their responses, it is possible to gain a better understanding of the optimal combination of school, family, peer and community-based efforts to support them as they move towards adulthood.

What do young people think about their school-based sex and relationship education? A qualitative synthesis of young people's views and experiences

“…Students reported embarrassment and discomfort, particularly in mixed-sex SRE, 37 which impeded their engagement 38 as they feared humiliation in front of the class. 39 40 Young men reported that they were disruptive in SRE, 38 41–47 with some explaining their behaviour as a way of masking their anxiety. 47 It was observed that men are expected to be sexually knowledgeable and competent.…”

“… 51 Teachers themselves were commonly reported to be embarrassed and awkward delivering SRE. 37 39 40 42 48 50–56 …”

Renewed commitments in a time of vigilance: sexuality education in the USA

“…Recent Sex Education articles have deployed intersectionality in an effort to disrupt these oppressive conditions. Kimmel et al (2013) analyse the interactions of social locations and their impact on the access to and the content of sexuality education for African American youth. Utilising community-based participatory research, Kimmel and colleagues' (2013) article is one of a few to ask urban African American youth about their sexuality education experiences both inside and outside of school and to solicit their recommendations for improving sexuality education.…”

Managing Hypervisibility in the HIV Prevention Information‐Seeking Practices of Black Female College Students

“…This trust pattern is consistent with prior studies. Kimmel et al (), for example, conducted focus groups with 48 Black youths to discuss their sexual education experiences. They report that the school‐based sex education restricted the content covered and presented content in an uncomfortable way.…”