What is Sexual Risk Avoidance Education?
By definition, Sexual Risk Avoidance (SRA) education is a science-based approach on the public health model of primary prevention to empower youth to avoid all the risks of sexual activity. SRA programs focus on the whole child by sharing the importance of healthy decision-making to future life outcomes. It provides information within a broader conversation that strongly emphasizes the value of waiting for sex in order to avoid all sexual risk.
According to the Family Research Council website, risks of sexual activity include:
- Adolescent or Teen Pregnancy
- Sexual Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
- Detrimental Psychological Effects
- Lower Academic Achievement
As stated on the Ascend website, a leading organization in the sexual risk avoidance field, there is evidence that SRA programs are highly effective. Currently, there are 25 peer-reviewed studies showing that students receiving SRA education are:
- More likely to delay sexual initiation
- If sexually active, more likely to discontinue or decrease sexual activities
Ascend also notes that the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report on youth and sex found that most teens have not had sex and that the percentage has improved by 32 percent in the past 26 years.
How Just Say YES Programming Addresses Sexual Risk Avoidance
At Just Say YES, we strive to equip students to say YES to their dreams and goals, and no to destructive choices and risk behaviors, like sexual activity. We aim to educate youth on how their decisions about sex can have a significant impact on their physical and emotional health, their relationships, and ultimately their future. We also provide parent and educator trainings that give audiences tools and resources to help guide their child and/or student(s) on how to make the healthiest life choices.
Want to learn more about our sexual risk avoidance programs?
Fill out the Contact Us form and a Just Say YES representative will respond to you promptly.
Read Also: Teen Dating Violence and February is Dating Violence Awareness Month
