The Healthy Youth Act of 2009 S.L Jones County Public Schools Principals Meeting Trenton Elementary School November 6, 2009

Health Education, G.S. 115c-81(e) Each school system must provide a comprehensive School Health Education program meeting the Healthy Youth Act’s requirements and the State Board of Education’s objectives. The focus is on health and safety. Local Boards of Education may expand, but not diminish, instructional areas and objectives. Program begin in the 7 th Grade. This act is effective when it becomes law and applies beginning with the school year.

Requirements of Healthy Youth Act Each school must offer instruction in sexuality education: Abstinence and Abstinence-Plus

Abstinence Focuses on remaining abstinent until marriage, benefits of abstinence, and abstinence as the most effective means of preventing pregnancy and STDS. Instructional objectives do not include other methods of preventing or reducing the risk of pregnancy or STDS. Teaches that abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage is the expected standard for all school-age children.

Abstinence Uses the same instructional objectives as before. Has new standards for materials >Age-appropriate >Objective and based on peer-reviewed research “accepted by professional and credentialed experts in the field of sexual health education.” Diminishes State Board’s role >Materials, objectives available for review by parents.

Abstinence-Plus Includes all elements of abstinence-only option and the same standards for instructional materials. Teaches about STDs, including FDA-approved methods of prevention, includes information on local resources for testing and medical care. Teachers about effectiveness and safety of all FDA approved contraceptive methods of preventing pregnancy.

Curriculum Also Teaches… Present techniques and strategies to deal with peer pressure and offering positive reinforcement. Teaches that abstinence from sexual activity is the only certain means of avoiding out-of-wedlock pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases when transmitted through sexual contact, including HIV/AIDS, and other associated health and emotional problems. Teaches the positive benefits of abstinence until marriage and the risks of premarital sexual activity. Provides opportunities that allow for interaction between the parent or legal guardian and the student.

Curriculum Also Teaches… Awareness of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and risk reduction. The instruction and materials shall: >Focus on healthy relationships >Teaches students what constitutes sexual assault and sexual abuse, the causes of those behaviors, and risk reduction. Inform students about resources and reporting procedures if they experience sexual assault or sexual abuse. Examine common misconceptions and stereotypes about sexual assault and sexual abuse.

Parental Choice Board policy must provide opportunities, either for parents and legal guardians, to consent or to withhold their consent to students’ participation. Parents must have an opportunity to review instructional materials before deciding.

Other Provisions of G.S. 115-C-81 (e) No distribution of contraceptives on school property. Explanation of the difference between risk reduction and risk elimination through abstinence. Effectiveness and failure rates of methods of preventing pregnancy and STDs in actual use among adolescent populations.

Related Statutes Provide parents and guardians with information about: >Cervical Cancer; >Cervical Dysplasia; >Human Papillomavirus (HPV); and, >the vaccine to prevent these diseases. [G.S. 115C-47(51)] Provide students in grades Nine through Twelve with information on the manner in which a parent may lawfully abandon a newborn baby. [G.S. 115C-47(52]

Related Statues (continued) Minor’s consent sufficient for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of: >Venereal disease and other diseases reportable under G.S. 130A-135. >Pregnancy >Abuse of controlled substances or alcohol, and >Emotional disturbance under G.S