Skip to main content

Get Real: Comprehensive Sex Education That Works

 

Lesson 6.7: Abstinence

Lesson Goals

  • Identify behaviors that may carry risks for STIs and unintended pregnancy.
  • State reasons why postponement and condom use are healthy behaviors for sixth-graders.
  • Name risks of unprotected sex and drug/alcohol use.
  • Give reasons why a majority of students in sixth grade abstain from sex.
  • Address values around abstinence and sex.

Teacher Note

The focus of this lesson is on abstinence and behaviors that may carry risk, including some sexual behaviors. Remind students that any time sexual activity is discussed in the Get Real curriculum, it is referring to consensual behavior—something all partners have agreed to—and that sexual assault is not the same as sexual activity. Remind students of their right to self-care and alert them in advance of the topic that will be discussed. Pay attention to students who disengage with the material, as they may have been triggered by something in the lesson, and follow up with them afterward.

Connecting the Lessons

Builds on Lesson 6.2: Communication and Refusal Skills and Lesson 6.3: Relationships and Boundaries

Planning ahead: Concepts learned in this lesson will be used in Lesson 6.8: Decision Making and Values.

SEL Skills Addressed

  • Self-management
  • Responsible decision making

Logic Model Determinant(s)

  • Increase awareness of delaying sex as the healthiest choice.
  • Address values around abstinence and sex.
  • Address perceptions of peer norms regarding sexual behavior.
  • Increase self-efficacy of SEL skills to delay and /or refuse sex.
  • Increase communication with parents and other caring adults.
  • Increase knowledge of how drugs and alcohol can affect decision making around sexual behavior.