Sexual Health Education

Sexual Health Education

The Sexual Health Clinic at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit provides education on a variety of topics including:

Our clinic is open to everyone, and all appointments are confidential, non-judgmental, and supportive. Depending on your needs, you can book an appointment with our physician or a public health nurse on the Sexual Health Clinic team. This gives you the opportunity to talk to a sexual health expert about any topic that you have questions or concerns about.

TBDHU also hosts an online resource list for LGBTQ2s+ health.

For more information including clinic hours, please visit our Sexual Health Clinic page.

 

Teaching Kids About Sex

When it comes to learning about sex, children learn from several different sources including parents, peers, schools, the internet, media, and religious institutions. However, parents are a child’s most important role model.

Talking to your child frequently about sexuality throughout their childhood can improve their feelings of self-worth and can also increase the likelihood that they will feel comfortable coming to you with questions or advice later in life. Children who feel that they can talk with their parents openly and honestly about sex are also less likely to engage in high-risk behaviour as teens than kids who do not feel they can talk with their parents.

Learn more about talking to your child about sex by checking out some of these resources:

  • Tea Consent (YouTube) – A video explainer on consent.
  • Sex and U - Information about puberty, talking about sex with your child, sexuality transmitted infections (STIs) and contraception.

Information for Parents on Sexting:

 

Sexual Health Education for Schools

The Ontario Ministry of Education has created guidelines for teaching sexual health including the physical, emotional, and developmental aspects of sexuality, and the risks associated with sexual activity. The Healthy Schools Team provides curriculum linked presentations to grade 7 through 10 classes on healthy sexuality.

Some of the topics covered include:

  • Healthy sexuality including sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression
  • Decision making
  • Safer sex
  • Communication and consent
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Contraception • Sources of support
  • Presentations to community groups upon request

External Resources

 

Sexual Health and Aging

Sexuality is life-long. Generally, the amount of sexual activity we have decreases the older we get, but our sexual interest and ability remain fairly constant. However, there are physical changes in men and women that can affect sexual activity.

Menopause is a transition period just like puberty. You may have concerns related to how menopause could affect your sexual health. Everyone experiences menopause differently, but you can visit Menopause & U to answer some of your questions before or during menopause. 

 

For Further Information

Call the Healthy Schools Program: (807) 625-5900

or toll-free 1-888-294-6630

External Links
Healthy and Physical Education Curriculum (Grades 1-8)
Healthy and Physical Education Curriculum (Grades 9-12)
Last Updated: 27/06/2022