Children and young people today face greater pressure than ever to make early and risky decisions about relationships and sexuality. Against this backdrop, Us together is launching the Sound sex education curriculum, a scientifically grounded and age-appropriate programme that seeks to shift the focus from short-term norms to young people’s health, maturity and future.
The curriculum comprises four subject areas, seventeen themes and 152 learning objectives, providing schools with clear support in promoting physical, mental and social wellbeing – with an emphasis on character strengths, healthy relationships and long-term thinking rather than short-term impulses.
– Sex education needs a clearer future-oriented perspective. Young people need support in resisting pressure and making decisions that benefit their future, not jeopardise it.
Four building blocks for safe and long-term choices
Sound sex education is built on four interconnected subject areas:
- Positive character – developing qualities such as empathy, determination, courage and self-control.
- Healthy relationships – understanding emotions, boundaries, respect and communication.
- Sound sexual development – knowledge about the body, maturity, emotions and healthy attitudes.
- Sexual risks – a clear examination of sexual and emotional risks, alongside support in making safe decisions.
The structure of the curriculum is based on the conviction that strong character and healthy relationships are essential for secure sexual development. It highlights the value of being able to wait, set boundaries and prioritise long-term goals over short-term impulses.
– Being able to wait, set boundaries and prioritise one’s future is not a failure – it is a strength. That perspective is often missing in today’s sex education.
Support for schools, and a clear parental perspective
Sound sex education has been developed for classroom use and can be integrated across several subjects, in line with the core values of early years settings and schools. At the same time, the curriculum emphasises the central role of parents in children’s and young people’s development and seeks to strengthen cooperation between home and school.
– When schools and parents pull in the same direction, young people’s ability to make choices that lead to security, health and hope for the future is strengthened.
Scientifically grounded and adapted to Swedish schools
The curriculum rests on extensive research, drawing on hundreds of national and international sources. It is partly based on an established American model, but has been adapted to Swedish curricula, values and social conditions.
About Us Together
Us Together is a non-profit national network – politically and religiously independent – working to ensure that children and young people grow up in safe and healthy environments. The organisation advocates for schools that strengthen the individual, recognise the importance of the family and equip young people with tools for the future.
The full curriculum is available at: https://sundsexualundervisning.net
