Sexuality Education Conference Receives Overwhelming Response

Sexuality Education Conference Receives Overwhelming Response

14 October 2009

2009 marks 21 years since sexuality education was introduced to schools in Queensland. To acknowledge the milestone, Family Planning Queensland (FPQ) is hosting a one day conference on Thursday 15 October in Brisbane.

The celebration of 21 years of sexuality education in Queensland conference will provide an opportunity to consider and discuss the importance of sexuality education for all children and young people. Attendance at the conference will also provide parents, teachers, and service providers with the opportunity to share their experiences and learn from others.

Conference delegates will hear Pamela Blackman from the Australia Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society discuss results from the latest national survey of Australian secondary students about young people's sexual health knowledge and activities.

Delegates will also hear children and young people's advocate Barry Salmon, Assistant Commissioner, Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian, present on the importance of access to sexuality education for all children in Queensland.

Another highlight of the one day conference will be young people from the 2009 YMCA Youth Parliament sharing their thoughts and ideas on sexuality education, including those raised in their recent debate calling for improved sexuality education in their schools.

Too often sex education only makes the news when there's some controversy. Headlines about teenage pregnancy, sexting and problem sexual behaviours in the school grounds are common. But, it is more important to highlight and celebrate the excellent work of teachers and schools who work so hard to respond to young people's real needs, said Cecelia Gore, FPQ's Director of Education and Communication Services.

All levels of education, from early childhood to university and including special needs educators, will be represented at the conference. The full conference program may be viewed at www.fpq.com.au/21st/program.php.

Organisations that have partnered with FPQ in the planning and development of the conference include: YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament; Commission for Children Young People and Child Guardian; the Department of Education and Training; Independent Schools Queensland; Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens Associations Inc; and, Youth Affairs Network of Queensland.

The conference is being held at the Holiday Inn, Brisbane from 8.15 am, Thursday, 15 October 2009.

For interviews or further details, please contact Cecelia Gore on 0411 674 892 or post conference at [email protected].

SOURCE: Family Planning Queensland (FPQ)