Perspectives on Peer-led Sex Education Programs at Schools in Japan

A Comparative Study of Programs for Middle and High School Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe the characteristics of effective peer-led, school-based sex education programs for middle and high school students in Japan, highlighting training programs for peer educators, peer-led sex education programs and methods for evaluating such programs. The training programs were aimed at nursing and medical students with basic knowledge obtained in classes related to sex, and were designed to prepare the students to teach sex education. This preparation included instructional techniques for sex education. University students who are studying to become health and physical education or school nursing teachers should also be trained, because it requires knowledge of education to implement sex education. Objectives of the sex education programs were to improve knowledge and attitudes regarding sexual health issues. Peer educators played role models for middle and high school students during discussions in the sex education programs. That element is the remarkable feature of the program and it should be actively used as a supplement to teacher-delivered sex education. A post-test design without a control group was selected to evaluate some peer-led sex education programs and questionnaires were also used in the evaluation. A research design including a quasi-experimental approach should be discussed in the school setting.