A new Uppsala University study finds that many students at adapted upper secondary schools remain uncertain about consent boundaries and illegal acts despite targeted sex education.
The study followed 14 students aged 16 to 20 who took part in workshops focused on violence prevention. The pupils used adapted communication and image support to discuss relationships and consent.
Findings indicate the education improved understanding of relationships and emotions. Yet uncertainty persisted about refusing advances in pressured situations and identifying illegal acts.
“In the students’ descriptions it became clear that they will have difficulty expressing what they want or do not want in sexual situations,” says Anna Fäldt, associate professor of speech-language pathology.
The study was published in the journal Research in Developmental Disabilities. Fäldt stresses that teaching must be tailored to students’ needs with appropriate support.
