Youth Preferences for Comprehensive Sexuality Education
This project began inside the YSAFE network after young activists across Europe and Central Asia repeatedly raised the same concern. Sexuality education was not reflecting their real lives and adults were shaping policies without listening to the young people they affect most.
At the 2024 YSAFE Regional Youth Forum, members decided to take the lead themselves. They co created a research project, chose the questions that mattered to them, and designed methods that fit different national contexts. Local youth led teams then carried out the research in nine countries, exploring what young people actually want from sexuality education today.
The aim was to produce honest, youth driven evidence that can strengthen advocacy for more inclusive and meaningful comprehensive sexuality education. The findings from Albania, Cyprus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, North Macedonia, Romania, Spain, and Sweden come together in this report and mark a step toward a future where sexuality education is shaped with young people, not just delivered to them.
Our report explores the following questions:
- What do young people want to learn in their sexuality education
- Where and from whom do young people prefer to learn their sexuality education
- How do young people want to learn about sexuality education
In total, 1,573 young people aged between 15 and 25 took part and shared their views on how sexuality education could better reflect their lived experiences and needs.
Why youth led research matters and what guides us
When young people lead research, the questions change, the tone changes, and the kind of answers that appear also change. Participants feel safer, more understood, and more willing to share what is really happening in their lives.
Youth led research also builds skills in facilitation, analysis, communication, and leadership. It creates a stronger base for advocacy because the evidence comes directly from the people who are most affected by gaps in sexuality education.
Our work is grounded in shared values:
- Youth leadership young people shape the questions, process, and recommendations
- Inclusivity every identity and experience deserves respect and accurate information
- Respect and consent learning spaces must feel safe and caring
- Evidence based practice information needs to be reliable, practical, and honest
- Solidarity and collaboration we work across countries and movements to create change together
Some first insights
- We want sexuality education that includes emotions, relationships, consent, LGBTQI+ topics, body image, pleasure, and mental health.
- We are tired of sexuality education that only covers pregnancy and STIs.
- Many of us also want solid information on contraception and menstrual health.
- We trust healthcare professionals for accurate and non judgmental information.
- We prefer teachers when they are trained and open.
- We rely on peers for relatable emotional support.
- Most of us actually learn online through social media, search engines, and AI tools.
- We prefer discussion based activities more than any other format.
- We still want a mix of formats such as short videos, reels, lectures, one to one guidance, podcasts, and stories.
- Online learning matters to us because it gives privacy, especially in places where sexuality is stigmatized.
- We want a blended approach combining conversations, digital content, and structured guidance.
Contributors
This project was brought to life by a diverse team of YSAFErs, youth volunteers of Member Associations, and staff of Member Associations. Some of the volunteers/staff members that contributed to this project:
- Ainur Bakytzhanova
- Alissa Koltunova
- Anano Tsetskhladze
- Assel Myrzabayeva
- Azra Mehmedovic
- Cristina Sánchez Martín
- Dameli Tileshpayeva
- Elena Osmanli
- Elene Stefaniani
- Ema Micevska
- Ema Petrache
- Inzhumarzhan Daniarkyzy
- Kalia Nikolaou
- Klesja Bitri
- Lina Putane
- Lucia Garcia Vidriales
- Maria Diplarou
- Mariam Balakhashvili
- Marija Gjorgjievska
- Marta Brakanska
- Mikena Hoxha
- Milena Kachaniklievska
- Miranda Jonsson
- Nino Maisuradze
- Paula Dielentheis
- Raquel Hurtado
- Saba Bzishvili
- Saniya Yerken
- Teodora Petrovska
- Togzhan Zhamanova
- Vlad Trascaianu
Participating Member Associations
- Albanian Center for Population and Development (ACPD)
- Cyprus Family Planning Association (CFPA)
- Association HERA XXI
- Kazakhstan Association for Sexual and Reproductive Health (KMPA)
- Latvian Association for Family Planning and Sexual Health (LAFPSH)
- Health Education and Research Association (HERA)
- SECS Contraception and Sexual Education Society
- Federación de Planificación Familiar de España (SEDRA FPFE)
- Riksförbundet för Sexuell Upplysning (RFSU)
Research Lead: Elizabeth Ascroft
Project Coordination: Ifigeneia Kamarotou