Now that we have looked at a broader understanding of sexuality, let’s take a few moments to think about sexual health and sexual literacy.

According to the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) a sexually healthy adolescent has the following characteristics (from: SIECUS Guidelines for Sexuality Education 3rd edition, 2004 http://www.siecus.org/pubs/guidelines/guidelines.pdf)

Characteristics of a Sexually Healthy Adolescent

Self

Appreciates own body

• Understands pubertal change
• Views pubertal changes as normal
• Practices health-promoting behaviors, such as abstaining from alcohol and other drugs and having regular check-ups

Accepts responsibility for his/her behavior

• Identifies personal values
• Decides what is ‘right’ for her/himself and acts on these values
• Understands the consequences of actions
• Understands that media messages can create unrealistic expectations related to sexuality and intimate relationships
• Is able to distinguish personal desires from desires of peers
• Understands how alcohol and other drugs can impair decision-making
• Recognizes behavior that may be self-destructive and can seek help

Is knowledgeable about sexuality issues

• Enjoys sexual feelings without necessarily acting upon them
• Understands the consequences of sexual behaviors
• Makes decisions about masturbation consistent with personal values
• Makes personal decisions about sexual behaviors with a partner
• Understands his/her own gender identity
• Understands effect of gender role stereotypes and makes choices about appropriate roles for her/himself
• Understands his/her own sexual orientation
• Seeks further information about sexuality as needed
• Understands peer and cultural pressure to become sexually involved
• Accepts that people have different values and experiences

Relationships with Parents and Family Members

Communicates effectively with family about issues including sexuality

• Maintains appropriate balance between family roles and responsibilities and growing need for independence
• Is able to negotiate with family on boundaries
• Respects the rights of others
• Demonstrates respect for adults

Understands and seeks information about parents’ and family’s values and considers those values in developing his/her own values

• Asks questions of parents and other trusted adults about sexual issues
• Can accept trusted adults’ guidance about sexuality issues
• Works to understand parental point of view

Peers

Interacts with both genders in appropriate and respectful ways

• Communicates effectively with friends
• Has friendships with males and females
• Is able to form empathetic relationships
• Is able to identify and avoid exploitative relationships
• Understands and rejects sexually harassing behaviors
• Respects others’ right to privacy
• Respects others’ confidences

Acts on one’s own values and beliefs when they conflict with peers

• Understands pressures to be popular and accepted and makes decisions consistent with own values

Romantic Partners

Expresses love and intimacy in developmentally appropriate ways

• Believes that males and females have equal rights and responsibilities in love and sexual relationships
• Communicates desires not to engage in sexual behaviors and accepts refusal to engage in sexual behaviors
• Is able to distinguish between love and sexual attraction
• Seeks to understand and empathize with partner

Has the skills to evaluate readiness for mature sexual relationships

• Talks with partner about sexual behaviors before they occur
• Is able to communicate and negotiate sexual limits
• Differentiates between low- and high-risk sexual behaviors
• If having intercourse, protects both her/himself and partner from unintended pregnancy and diseases through effective use of contraception and condoms as well as other safer sex practices
• Knows how to access and use the health care system, community agencies, religious institutions and schools
• Seeks advice, information, and services as needed

Source: National Commission on Adolescent Sexual Health, 1995 (http://www.siecus.org/pubs/Facing_Facts.pdf)

To read more about SIECUS' characteristics of a sexually healthy adolescent or guidelines for sexuality education birth to kindergarten see the 1995 report Facing Facts and Right from the Start