This program is for:
Youth in grades 7-12
Costs & Fees
Free, but honorariums are appreciated.
Location
Online
Hours & Availability
Students receive a course key valid for one school semester.
How to Register
Fill out our booking form or email us.
Questions?
Online Sexual Health Education in Alberta
Centre for Sexuality has been delivering the Relationship and Sexual Health Education (RSE) program in schools since 1975. RSE follows best practices guidelines and established frameworks for sexual health, relationship, and violence prevention education and is linked to the Alberta Learning Curriculum outcomes. We offer youth the opportunity to build their knowledge, skills, and motivation to make informed, healthy choices about their bodies, relationships, and sexuality.
This program is offered in partnership with schools and community-based organizations that work with youth aged 12-29, as well as parents of youth who do not have access to comprehensive sexual health education at their school.
We are the only organization in Calgary that provides truly comprehensive relationship and sexual health education in junior and senior high schools. Research shows that the outcomes from comprehensive sexuality education are better than abstinence-based programs – meaning youth are less likely to have sex, more likely to delay their first time and more likely to use protection when they do choose to have a sexual relationship (Kirby, 2007). We equip youth to have conversations with their partners and make responsible, informed decisions for themselves based on their own values.
We are proud to provide an evidence-based program that’s not grounded in shame or judgement. However, not all students have our program available to them in their school. Choosing an online option helps youth get the information they need for sexual health, healthy sexuality and healthy relationships.
Why Online Sex Ed?
Everyone deserves factual, judgment-free information about sexuality, relationships and sexual health. Online education for relationships and sexual health reduces barriers to access for youth who may not have access to comprehensive sex ed in their school. Our goal for our online sex ed program is to make sure that more youth across Canada have access to information that helps them make the right choices for themselves.
What Does Our Online Program Cover?
Online RSE Programs and Objectives
The grade 7 online Relationships and Sexual Health Education (RSE) program provides participants with an understanding of the reproductive anatomy of people born with penises, vulvas and intersex bodies; how bodies change during puberty; and how values, the media and society shape our sense of self. By learning about these topics, participants will be better able to make informed decisions about their own relationships and sexual health. Participants will learn the key components of consent and practise asking for consent in different ways. Participants will also practise using assertive communication to share their feelings and needs and will learn about the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, participants will:
- have increased comfort and knowledge about puberty and increased awareness of individual and societal values related to puberty
- be able to critically analyze media
- have increased comfort and understanding about human anatomy and physiology
- have increased knowledge and skills to support healthy decision-making
- have tools to identify and set boundaries and negotiate and advocate for their needs
- have the knowledge and skills to maintain healthy relationships on social media
- have increased awareness of relationship rights and be able to describe the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships
- be able to identify supportive relationships and seek the support they need
- be able to identify and regulate their emotions in ways that contribute to healthy relationships
The grade 8 online Relationships and Sexual Health Education (RSE) program provides participants with an understanding of sexual and gender diversity; the reproductive anatomy of people born with penises, vulvas and intersex bodies; how values, the media and society shape their sense of self; and the characteristics of healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships. By learning about these topics, participants will be better able to make informed decisions around their own relationships and sexual health. Participants will learn the key components of consent and practise asking for consent in different ways. Participants will also practise using assertive communication to share their feelings and needs and will learn about the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, participants will:
- have increased knowledge and comfort about gender and sexual diversity.
- have increased awareness of relationship rights and will be able to describe the difference between healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships
- have increased comfort and understanding about human anatomy and physiology
- have increased awareness of individual and societal values related to sexuality
- understand the components of developing a healthy self-concept and have increased comfort and confidence related to sexuality
- have increased knowledge about boundaries and the importance of communicating boundaries in healthy relationships
- be able to identify and regulate their emotions in ways that contribute to healthy relationships
- have increased knowledge and skills to support healthy decision- making
- have increased knowledge of consent as it applies to romantic and sexual relationships
The grade 9 Relationships and Sexual Health Education (RSE) program continues to build on topics covered in grades 7 and 8. This program covers healthy relationships and decision-making, values, sexual and gender diversity, sexual health (including prevention of unwanted outcomes through birth control, barriers and abstinence) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Participants will also learn to think critically about media influences, the impact of social and gender norms and teen dating violence.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, participants will:
- have increased comfort and understanding about human anatomy and physiology
- have increased knowledge of what constitutes teen dating violence
- illustrate their understandings and skills to engage in safer sex practices which reduce the risk of STIs
- have the knowledge to make informed choices about contraceptive use and the skills to effectively use barriers during sexual experiences
- have increased knowledge and skills to support healthy decision-making
- be able to critically analyze media
- be aware of how their values impact their relationships
- have the knowledge and skills to critically analyze gender norms and their impact on relationships
- have increased comfort and skills to communicate about sexual health
- have the knowledge and skills to practice consent
- have increased awareness of factors that impact consent and have the skills to not cause harm
- have the tools to identify and set boundaries and negotiate and advocate for their needs
The high school Relationship and Sexual Health Education (RSE) program is a dynamic exploration of the components that influence sexual health. It is intended for participants in grade 10, 11 or 12. Participants explore sexuality from a broad perspective and they practise the skills they will need to have healthy relationships and take care of their sexual health.
The program prepares participants to engage in healthy relationships that are free from violence and coercion. It supports them in making decisions that are congruent with their personal boundaries and values, expands their understanding of consent and helps them develop the skills to deal with rejection from sexual and romantic partners.
Throughout the program, participants develop empathy and respect for diversity, including a greater understanding of gender roles in society, as well as gender identity and sexual orientation. They explore and evaluate the impact of discrimination and what they can do to create social change in their community.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, participants will:
- be able to locate reliable reproductive and sexual health services and resources
- have increased awareness of Canadian sexual and reproductive health rights
- have increased awareness of individual and society values related to sexuality
- have increased knowledge and comfort about gender and sexual diversity
- have increased knowledge of what constitutes teen dating violence
- have increased knowledge and skills to support healthy decision- making
- have the awareness to recognize when they have power and have the skills to not cause harm
- have the knowledge and skills to practice consent
- be able to identify and regulate their emotions in ways that contribute to healthy relationships and do not cause harm to others
- have the skills to effectively use barriers during sexual experiences
- have the knowledge and skills to critically analyze gender norms and their impact on relationships
have increased awareness of societal norms, attitudes and practices that contribute to violence, as well as the collective responsibility for safety and increased comfort and skills to act as a bystander
Alberta Curriculum Learning Outcomes
Centre for Sexuality’s Online RSE Program meet all of the Alberta Education Human Sexuality outcomes for their corresponding grades:
Human Sexuality Outcomes
- W-7.3 Examine the human reproductive process and recognize misunderstandings associated with sexual development.
- W-7.12 Identify the effects of social influences on sexuality and gender roles and equity, e.g., media, culture.
- W-7.13 Examine the influences on personal decision making for responsible sexual behaviour.
- W-7.14 Examine abstinence and decisions to postpone sexual activity as healthy choices.
Other Health and Life Skills Outcomes
- W-7.4 Analyze the messages and approaches used by the media to promote certain body images and lifestyle choices.
- W-7.7 Analyze the definition, effects and possible consequences of various forms of harassment.
- W-7.8 Analyze and appreciate differing personal perspectives on safety, e.g., physical, emotional, social safety.
- W-7.10 Identify and examine potential sources of physical/emotional/social support.
- W-7.11 Identify characteristics of resiliency, e.g., problem-solving skills, positive self-esteem, social bonding.
- R-7.3 Identify sources of stress in relationships and describe positive methods of dealing with such stressors, e.g., change, loss, discrimination, rejection.
- R-7.4 Analyze and practice constructive feedback, e.g., giving and receiving.
- R-7.5 Examine the characteristics of healthy relationships and develop strategies to build and enhance them, e.g., peer, opposite sex.
- R-7.7 Evaluate and personalize the effectiveness of various styles of conflict resolution, e.g., win/win, win/lose, lose/lose.
- L-7.3 Differentiate between choice and coercion in decision-making for self and others, e.g., demonstrate a willingness to accept “no” from others.
- L-7.7 Determine and use knowledge and skills of the class to promote school and community health.
Human Sexuality Outcomes
- W-8.3 Recognize and accept that individuals experience different rates of physical, emotional, sexual and social development.
- W-8.7 Determine the signs, methods and consequences of various types of abuse, e.g., neglect, physical emotional, sexual abuse.
- W-8.12 Identify and describe the responsibilities and consequences associated with involvement in a sexual relationship.
- W-8.13 Describe symptoms, effects, treatments, preventions for common sexually transmitted diseases, i.e., chlamydia, HPV, herpes, gonorrhea, hepatitis B/C, HIV.
- W-8.14 Identify and describe basic types of contraceptives, i.e., abstinence, condom, foam, birth control pills.
Other Health and Life Skills Outcomes
- W-8.1 Examine the relationship between choices and resulting consequences.
- W-8.4 Develop personal strategies to deal with pressures to have a certain look/lifestyle.
- W-8.11 Identify and develop personal resiliency skills.
- L-8.3 Identify components of ethical decision making and apply these concepts to personal decision making.
- R-8.4 Analyze the effects of self-concept on personal communication.
- R-8.5 Develop strategies for maintaining healthy relationships.
- R-8.6 Describe and provide examples of ethical behaviour in relationships, e.g., integrity.
- R-8.7 Develop and demonstrate strategies for promoting peaceful relationships
Human Sexuality Outcomes
- W-9.3 Apply coping strategies when experiencing different rates of physical, emotional, sexual and social development
- W-9.7 Evaluate implications and consequences of sexual assault on a victim and those associated with that victim.
- W-9.12 Determine ‘safer’ sex practices, e.g., communicate with partner, maintain abstinence, limit partners, access/use condoms/contraceptives properly.
- W-9.13 Identify and describe the responsibilities and resources associated with pregnancy and parenting.
- W-9.14 Develop strategies that address factors to prevent or reduce sexual risk, g., abstain from drugs and alcohol, date in groups, use assertive behaviour.
Other Health and Life Skills Outcomes
- W-9.4 Analyze and develop strategies to reduce the effects of stereotyping on body image, e.g., health risks of altering natural body size/shape to meet media ideal.
- W-9.8 Develop strategies to promote harm reduction/risk management.
- W-9.9 Analyse and evaluate law and policies that promote personal, community and workplace safety.
- W-9.10 Assess the quality and reliability of health information provided by different sources.
- W-9.11 Use personal resiliency skills
- L-9.3 Use decision making skills to select appropriate risk-taking activities for personal growth and empowerment.
- R-9.2 Analyze why individuals choose not to express or manage feelings in situations, e.g., using anger to manipulate others, avoid others, feel powerful.
- R-9.4 Analyze, evaluate and refine personal communication patterns.
- R-9.5 Describe and analyze factors that contribute to the development of unhealthy relationships and develop strategies to deal with unhealthy relationships.
- R-9.6 Model integrity and honesty in accordance with ethical principles, e.g., develop strategies to behave in an ethical manner.
- R-9.7 Refine personal conflict management skills, e.g., negotiation, mediation strategies.
- R-9.8 Analyze skills required to maintain individuality within a group, e.g., self-respect, assertiveness, refusal skills.
Human Sexuality Outcomes
- P12-Examine aspects of healthy sexuality, sexual wellness and responsible sexual behaviour.
- P11-Examine the relationship between commitment and intimacy at all its levels.
Other CALM Outcomes
- P1-Analyze the dimensions of health and their interrelatedness, the impact of the determinants of health and the dynamic nature of balance in life.
- P2-Evaluate choices and combinations of choices that can create barriers to achieving and maintaining health and identify actions to improve health.
- P4-Develop approaches/tactics for creative problem solving and decision making.
- P6-Determine practices and behaviours that contribute to optimal physical wellbeing.
- P7-Analyze a variety of strategies to achieve and enhance emotional and spiritual well-being.
- P9-Demonstrate and apply effective communication, conflict resolution and team building skills.
- P10-Examine various attitudes, values and behaviours for developing meaningful interpersonal
- P13-Investigate how science, technology and media affect wellness.
P14-Evaluate resources and support systems for each dimension of health and wellbeing for self and others.
Other Sexual Health Education Formats
In addition to our online Relationship and Sexual Health Education, we also offer in-person RSE programming in select schools and community settings. Please contact dsilva@centreforsexuality.ca with inquiries.
Costs and Fees
Centre for Sexuality is a non-profit organization. We deliver the RSE program free of charge. Some individuals or organizations choose to give an honorarium to help cover our costs and continue the development of the RSE program.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Parents
The content of the grade 7, 8, 9 and high school Online RSE Programs can be separated into three main categories: Sexual Health, Relationships and Preventing Harm. Each of these categories includes a variety of related topics that progressively build in depth, elaboration of concepts, skill development and linkage to personal experiences over the course of all 4 programs.
The Online RSE Program emphasizes social and emotional development as a fundamental, although often overlooked, element of sexual health education. Youth cannot achieve or maintain healthy bodies, healthy relationships and healthy sexuality (resulting in sexual health) if they do not possess and apply core social and emotional competencies, including self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social awareness and relationship skills. By providing education that integrates social and emotional learning into a holistic understanding of sexuality and sexual health, youth are better positioned to achieve positive outcomes, such as healthy interpersonal relationships and positive self-image; avoid negative outcomes, such as unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections; and realize personal health and wellbeing across their lifespan.
We can provide a workshop to parents to review our content beforehand and provide them with tools to support learning at home.
Each program should take between 4-6 hours to complete and can be accessed with a smartphone, tablet or computer with an internet connection.
Yes, the Online RSE Program content is age appropriate.
The grade 7, 8 and 9 programs meet all the Human Sexuality outcomes from the Alberta Health and Life Skills Curriculum, while the high school Online RSE Program meets all the human sexuality outcomes from the Career and Life Management (CALM) curriculum. All 4 programs are informed by the Sex Information and Education Council of Canada (SIECCAN) guidelines. They are intentionally designed so that each year builds on the knowledge and skills developed in the previous year in a way that is developmentally appropriate and matches the age and stage of the learner.
Regardless of age, it is normal for youth to want more information about their bodies, relationships and sexual health. However, they often end up getting this information from sources that are not accurate or intended for educational purposes. Centre for Sexuality is proud to provide youth across Alberta with access to accurate and appropriate information through the Online RSE Program.
Yes, the Online RSE Program includes 2SLGBTQ+ content. The Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education note that an understanding of gender and sexual diversity is an important part of comprehensive sexual health education.
The Grade 8 and High School Online RSE Programs include sections that provide information about gender and attraction. The Grade 8 Online RSE Program includes information about the different ways people experience gender and attraction; how youth can reflect on and develop their personal values about sexuality; and how youth can become more comfortable discussing sexuality. The High School Online RSE Program includes information about the different ways people experience gender and attraction; what makes relationships healthy, unhealthy or abusive; and how gender norms might affect their relationships and decision-making.
No, the Online RSE Program does not promote having sex. The Online RSE Program provides youth with information and tools to support informed decision-making and encourages them to reflect on their personal values when making decisions regarding sexual health and sex, including abstinence and other contraceptive choices.
The Online RSE Program also provides other important information for youth to consider, including information about consent laws. Educating youth about the ethical and legal aspects of consent is crucial for the development of safe and respectful relationships and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence.
While it’s understandable that parents may want youth to delay sexual activity, the fact is that youth who lack information and feel ashamed of their bodies or sexuality are less likely to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. Sexual health programs for youth have shown to delay sexual activity and increase use of condoms and other contraceptives.
The Online RSE Program does not promote any specific values. Rather, it provides youth with the opportunity to reflect on and develop their own personal values. The program does not tell youth what is right for them; instead, it teaches them how to make healthy decisions based on their personal values.
In addition, the Online RSE Program emphasizes the importance of natural supports, such as parents and caregivers, who are key educators in the lives of their children.
Parents and guardians are welcome to review the Online RSE Program before consenting to their child’s participation. Parents or guardians who are interested in reviewing the Online RSE Program can request to do so through their child’s teacher or can contact us. Members of Centre for Sexuality’s Relationship and Sexual Health Education Team will provide an enrollment key that interested parents or guardians can use to access the Online RSE Program for up to two weeks.
We also offer a workshop to parents to review our content and share tools to support learning at home.
The Online RSE Program is hosted on Centre for Sexuality’s Learning Management System.
The Online RSE Program is separated into grade 7, 8, 9 and high school programs. Students can be enrolled based on their school grade, age or knowledge of relationship and sexual health information. Each program should take between 4-6 hours for students to complete and can be accessed with a smartphone, tablet or computer with an internet connection. Each program includes an audio option and videos, so headphones are recommended.
Parents who are interested in enrolling their students in the Online RSE Program can contact us. Members of Centre for Sexuality’s Relationship and Sexual Health Education Team will facilitate the onboarding process and provide an enrollment key that can be used for up to one school semester.
Natural supports like parents/caregivers are key partners in the social emotional development and sexual health education of youth. Despite the important role that they play, natural supports may feel that there are barriers preventing them from supporting their children like embarrassment or discomfort discussing sexuality, lack of knowledge, feeling that their children don’t want to discuss it with them or other factors.
Supporting Youth Relationships and Sexual Health is a workshop for adult natural and professional supports offered in conjunction with Centre for Sexuality’s Grade 7, 8, 9 and High School Online Relationship and Sexual Health Education (RSE) Programs. The goal of this workshop is to build knowledge, comfort and skill around supporting the relationships and sexual health of youth. The workshop is facilitated by one of Centre for Sexuality’s Training Centre facilitators and can be facilitated in-person or online. 60-minute, 120-minute and 180-minute versions are available. Workshop attendees receive a workbook with information, tools and resources.
For Educators
The Online RSE Program is hosted on Centre for Sexuality’s Learning Management System (C4S LMS).
The Online RSE Program is separated into grade 7, 8, 9 and high school programs. Students can be enrolled based on their school grade, age or knowledge of relationship and sexual health information. Each program should take between 4-6 hours for students to complete and can be accessed with a smartphone, tablet or computer with an internet connection. Each program includes an audio option and videos, so headphones are recommended if students will complete the program in a group setting.
Schools that are interested in enrolling their students in the Online RSE Program can contact us. Members of Centre for Sexuality’s Relationship and Sexual Health Education Team will facilitate the onboarding process and provide an enrollment key that students can use to access the appropriate program for up to one school semester.
Educators are welcome to review the Online RSE Program before signing their students up. Anyone who is interested in checking out the Online RSE Program can contact us. Members of Centre for Sexuality’s Relationship and Sexual Health Education Team will provide an enrollment key that interested parties can use to access the Online RSE Program for up to two weeks.
The Online RSE Program meet all of the Alberta Education Human Sexuality outcomes for their corresponding grades. More information is available in the Alberta Curriculum Learning Outcomes section of this page.