1. Introduction

In the previous lesson students learned about how to prevent an unintended pregnancy and the different methods of family planning. It was emphasised that when sexually active, both girls AND boys have the responsibility to use a form of contraception to prevent an unintended pregnancy.

In this lesson students learn about safe sex: how to protect themselves and their partner(s) from STIs including HIV. The ABCDEF+ method is used to explain the different strategies they can choose from to prevent STI and HIV infections.

To enable students to make an own decision about the most suitable option – their prevention strategy - they explore which sexual acts are safe and which aren’t. Information on how to use a male or female condom correctly is provided, so students know how to protect themselves and their partner from STIs including HIV, once they choose to become sexually active. Finally, students learn to communicate their strategy with their partner and negotiate whether to have sex and if so, how to do so in a consenting way that both partners feel is safe.

Please note: teaching students about correct condom use does not encourage them to start having sex.This has been scientifically proven many times (Kirby). On the contrary, educating on protected sex (within a comprehensive programme) only promotes the use of protection, and can even postpone the sexual debut. Read more in the teacher hand-out ‘why sexuality education?’

2. Key Messages

1. Anyone who is sexually active can be exposed to STIs, including HIV.
2. You may be unaware you have an STI, so get tested regularly.
3. Tests are straightforward and usually free.
4. Many STIs can be completely cured, others easily managed, with prompt treatment.
5. There is no cure for HIV.
6. The A, B, C, D, E, F, + options and rules help you avoid infection.
7. Decide what you are ready for and stick to it!

3. Lesson Aims

1. Students decide how to practice sex safely safely.
2. Students are aware of some of the severe risks of having unprotected sexual intercourse and how to prevent them.
3. Students learn how to use a condom correctly and learn how they can make it easier to actually use a condom every time once they have chosen to become sexually active.

4. Main Topics

Students explore what STIs including HIV are, get to know prevention strategies (ABCDEF+), learn skills to avoid an infection when being sexually active and to find treatment in-time.

1. STIs
2. HIV and AIDS
3. Safe sex
4. Negotiation
5. Condom
6. Female condom

Please find a detailed description of these, and a lot of other concepts, in the glossary.