Healthy Schools

Healthy Sexuality

See ideas and resources below that support growth and development. This topic includes strategies and activities related to body image, diversity, healthy relationships, human development and sexual health, living skills (e.g., self-awareness, communication and social skills, thinking skills), self-efficacy and self-esteem.

Resources for healthy sexuality

  • Visit the Ministry of Education Ontario Elementary Curriculum and the Ontario Secondary Curriculum 2019.
  • See Ophea for Lesson Plans, Supplements and Activities for the H&PE curriculum. Note (as of August 2019), Ophea is in the process of aligning their teaching tools with the 2019 revised curriculum for Elementary
  • Visit Institute for Catholic Education for Ontario Catholic Curriculum, resources, and parent guides.
  • Visit Hamilton Public Health for information on Safer Sex, Birth Control, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Sex and the Law, Sexually Transmitted Infections in Hamilton and Hamilton's Sexual Health Clinics
  • SexAndU.ca provides information from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada for youth, parents and health professionals on Your body, Sexual Activity, Two-spirit and LGBTQ+, STI’s, Contraception, Pregnancy and Consent
  • For lesson plans and information on healthy sexuality check out Peel Public Health information for teachers

  • Check out Sieccan Resources for Sexually Transmitted Infection fact sheets.

Ontario and Hamilton Statistics on Healthy Sexuality
Tips on Teaching Healthy Sexuality
Sexual Health Terms and Definitions
Healthy Relationships and Two-spirit and  LGBTQ+ Resources
Comprehensive Sexual Health Education

Schools receiving targeted services may contact their assigned PHN to book an interactive discussion for students in grades 9-12. Alongside the teacher, the PHN will guide the class with school board-approved visual aids and learning activities. Sessions you can book include:

  • STI Prevention
  • Pregnancy Prevention (HWDSB only)
  • Healthy Relationships
  • Provide opportunities to discuss healthy relationships and self-esteem. Celebrate the similarities and differences that exist within the classroom.
  • Encourage students to become involved in activities that reflect the diversity of the school community such as positive space clubs, diversity clubs or health action teams. Speak to your school administrator and/or PHN for more information.
  • Identify resources and supports and collaborate with students to build an environment that encourages positive self-esteem, body image, self-confidence and healthy sexuality.
  • Create displays or multimedia content that depicts the school's diversity and addresses healthy growth and development topics.

Check these resources:

  • Visit Sieccan Sexual health education in the schools: Questions & Answers for research based answers to common questions on sexual health education
  • Visit our Sexual Health Clinics for information on sexual health; including access to contraception, pregnancy testing, STI treatment and testing, clinic times and locations, or to take a virtual tour.
  • Visit Draw the Line for resources on violence prevention and consent in several languages.
  • Visit the Ministry of Education website for Elementary and Secondary Health & Physical Education parent resources.
  • It Starts with You, It Stays with Him has violence prevention resources for fathers, family members, coaches and leaders.
  • SIECCAN Sex Information & Education Council of Canada promotes sexual and reproductive health
  • The Aids Network provides information on HIV/AIDS prevention, education and support.
  • Fight the New Drug provides information on the harms of pornography and suggestions on where to get help.
  • Two-spirit and LGBTQ+ social/support group for parents/caregivers of trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming and gender questioning children and youth, along with a group for the youth themselves to attend, available through HWDSB. Contact Darryl Byers, 289-237-8336 or [email protected]
  • See additional community Two-spirit and LGBTQ+ Resources on the Health Resources for Schools page under Two-spirit and LGBTQ+ Resources