Lifelong Relationships, Sex and Health Education
Great RSHE spans a lifetime
This a blog for educators who are looking to facilitate RSHE that spans a lifetime.
We are strong believers in lifelong RSHE.
What does this look like? Equipping young people with the information and tools they need not only in adolescence but later down the line, too.
This means thinking about contraceptive methods which people might use at different stages of life, being able to recognise healthy and unhealthy behaviours in different relationships, preparing young people for some of the life transitions that can take place later in life and helping them to know where to seek out more information and support.
Life transitions to cover in RSE:
Puberty
Puberty will look and feel different for everybody and every body. Young people should be educated on mental and physical changes to expect in puberty. At the same time, they should learn that people will experience it differently, and will develop at varying rates. That’s totally normal.
Want to learn more - check out this video series from Planned Parenthood.
Periods
Many people feel embarrassed to talk about menstruation, as there is still so much stigma attached. It’s crucial to highlight that so many people have periods, and it’s not shameful or gross. A person’s experience around menstruation can vary throughout their life, so it’s important young people know what to expect and where to get quality information and support if they face an issue with their menstruation.
Want to learn more - check out this inclusive guide to periods by Tara Costello.
Grief
Grief can occur from any big change or loss. Everyone will experience grief at some point in their life. It manifests differently for everyone and there isn't a 'right' way to grieve. A person who is grieving might feel a range of complicated emotions like sadness, distress, numbness, fear, anger and more. It’s important young people know they don’t have to deal with grief alone - they can speak to a teacher, family member, support service or GP to be referred to further support to things like counselling.
Want to learn more - Check out this book about grief for children.
Birth
Historically, birth-related education in school has mostly focused on how not to get pregnant and has been used as a tactic to dissuade people from having unprotected intercourse. Often, this means that if someone decides to have a baby later down the line they’re left ill-equipped with practical information about the experiences of pregnancy and birth. Young people should know that birthing people have: choices, a right to be autonomous and the power to ask questions throughout birth.
Want to learn more? Check out this book about birth and this book about abortion.
Menopause
Menopause is a huge life transition that most people with uteruses experience. Even though it affects a large amount of people, we're still not very good at talking about it. We need to reduce the stigma and lack of information that surrounds menopause so that people can feel informed, prepared and know how to best support themselves and others.
Want to learn more? Check out Perimenopause Power by Maisie Hill
Conclusion
Life is full of changes and transitions. And as facilitators and educators, we’re not going to be there every step of the way. So, we need to focus on equipping young people with knowledge, support and tools to navigate different experiences that will occur throughout their lives, either to them or others they know.
If you’re looking to learn more about how to create an inclusive and engaging RSE curriculum at your school or organisation, please reach out so we can start talking and making a difference!