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Unmet needs and inequalities in sexuality, consent and relationships education: a cross-sectional study of upper secondary school students in Sweden
Mid Sweden University, Faculty of Human Sciences, Department of Health Sciences (HOV).
Mid Sweden University, Faculty of Human Sciences, Department of Health Sciences (HOV).ORCID iD: 0000-0002-6427-206X
Mid Sweden University, Faculty of Human Sciences, Department of Health Sciences (HOV).ORCID iD: 0000-0002-9190-8756
Mid Sweden University, Faculty of Human Sciences, Department of Health Sciences (HOV). Karolinska Institutet.ORCID iD: 0000-0001-6014-6296
2026 (English)In: Sex Education: Sexuality, Society and Learning, ISSN 1468-1811, E-ISSN 1472-0825, p. 1-15Article in journal (Refereed) Epub ahead of print
Abstract [en]

Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is central to promoting adolescents' sexual health and rights. In Sweden, CSE is now referred to as Sexuality, Consent and Relationships (SCR) education, following a curriculum revision in 2022. This study explored how upper secondary school students (aged 16-19) experienced SCR education. A digital questionnaire was completed in the classroom by 1378 students (68% response rate) in early 2025, and data were analysed using bi- and multivariate methods. Most participants (61%) reported receiving sufficient education, yet notable gaps and inequalities were evident. Girls and non-heterosexual students were more likely to describe their education as insufficient. One in four students wished SCR contents had been covered more extensively, particularly violence in relationships - a theme viewed as important but often overlooked in teaching. These findings highlight disparities and unmet needs in SCR education, suggesting inequitable access to comprehensive and inclusive teaching relevant to students which may constrain their ability to build informed, respectful, and safe relationships. Strengthening the implementation of Sweden's SCR curriculum is therefore essential to ensure equitable learning opportunities that reflect young people's diverse realities.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Informa UK Limited , 2026. p. 1-15
Keywords [en]
Comprehensive sexuality education, gender, high income countries, LGBT plus, upper secondary school
National Category
Health Sciences
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:miun:diva-56577DOI: 10.1080/14681811.2026.2622391ISI: 001675157800001Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-105029382531OAI: oai:DiVA.org:miun-56577DiVA, id: diva2:2036270
Available from: 2026-02-06 Created: 2026-02-06 Last updated: 2026-02-24

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Svensson, Åsa M.Håkansson, MirandaMakenzius, Marlene

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