2025 Schedule Deep Dive: The Impact of Sex Education
It’s a common concern for parents and legal guardians to ask themselves, “What is age-appropriate?” when it comes to sex education, and who should be teaching it? Because of this, sex ed can easily be interpreted without the word that gives it its main purpose - education - when it serves as a vital tool for raising awareness about young people's developing sexuality, fostering healthy consensual relationships, and preventing sexual violence. By framing it this way, we can emphasize its importance in equipping students with the knowledge they need to navigate these realities safely and responsibly.
More specifically in Texas, sex education tends to exist in the taboo realm of unspoken conversations. According to student news site The Battalion, Texas A&M University psychology professor Mindy Bergman, Ph.D. says there is a general silence in society around sex. Still, it is essential to acknowledge the system that will shape the foundation of relationships for generations to come so we can better understand our place in the world and recognize how current, and future administration policies affect ourselves and those we love.
So, why should you advocate for better sex ed in your school or community?
A recent update to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in 2020 introduced some necessary additions to the sex education curriculum including sexually transmitted infections, where kids and tweens are taught STIs with playful games, exemplified with tennis balls and gloves, diluting the range of potential consequences to the categories of infected and not infected as they toss each other the ball. Meanwhile, many tweens may still not grasp what they are protecting themselves from or why it matters. Additionally, while the update also includes information on contraception, it still excludes critical topics like gender identity, sexuality, and consent—areas that are essential for fostering a comprehensive understanding of healthy relationships.
At SXSW EDU, we believe in fostering conversations that are crucial for the well-being of future generations. The SXSW EDU Conference & Festival provides a platform for discussions that are top of mind—and those that deserve more attention, such as the conversation around sex education. Children increasingly turn to online resources to explore curiosity, and ignoring the value of sex education for our kids means missing the opportunity to advocate for healthy relationships and provide them with the fundamental knowledge they need to keep themselves and others safe. Helping students understand their own bodies fosters a shared sense of humanity, rather than one of fear and ignorance.
Save These Sessions to Your Schedule:
Deepen your understanding of the importance of sex education by attending Sex Ed in Schools: Just as Important as ABCs & 123s. Hear what experts and advocates for sex education are saying about navigating policies and challenges with parents, school boards, and state-imposed limitations, all while keeping future generations in mind.
Put your knowledge into practice by attending a workshop led by professionals from Planned Parenthood and EducateUS. Break down the misconceptions that sex ed carries in the session What's Really Taught in Sex Ed & How Do We Fight for It?, and understand why advocating for sex ed means encouraging children's social health and wellbeing.
At SXSW EDU, you're the architect of your own experience, and though every session has something different to offer, you can always find a way to bring them together. Explore and combine various sessions to discover how they relate to sex education, with topics surrounding media consumption, and exposure. The Solo session Keeping Kids Safe Online: The Imperative of Parent Education illuminates the importance of responsibility and consciousness regarding what is accessible to kids online.
Browse the full schedule and start building your SXSW EDU 2025 schedule.
Find Your Community at SXSW EDU 2025
Join us for SXSW EDU 2025 from March 3-6 in Austin, Texas. Register and book your hotel to ensure your seat in the groundbreaking sessions, networking opportunities, in-depth workshops, mentorship, film screenings, competitions, an expo, and more.
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Photo by Amanda Stronza.
11/21/2024
