From ‘no means no’ to ‘an enthusiastic yes’: Changing the Discourse on Sexual Consent Through Sex and Relationships Education

This book chapter presents findings from research with young people in England about their understandings of sexual consent. The study was carried out on behalf of the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, as part of their two year inquiry into sexual exploitation in the contexts of gangs and groups.

Growing and developing healthy relationships annual website report (2018-2019)

Annual analytics and updates of the Department of Health's GDHR website

How to talk to kids about bodies

Non-fiction

A 38 page guide for parents showing them how to have shame-free conversations with their child about their genitals.

Age: Parents and teachers of children 0 to 12 years.

International technical guidance on sexuality education: an evidence informed approach (2018)

This document is based on a rigorous review of evidence on sexuality education programs for 5-18 year olds. It is aimed at education and health-sector decision makers and professionals.

Issues Paper: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex (LGBTI) children and young people

Paper by the Commissioner for Children and Young People on gender and sexual diversity.

It’s about more than just sex: curricula and educational materials to help young people achieve better sexual and reproductive health (2013)

The toolkit provides descriptions of high-quality, adult- and youth-led curricula designed to improve youth sexual and reproductive health.

Kaiyai Girl

Kaiyai Girl is a teaching resource for use with students in early adolescence through to early adulthood. It tackles the issues of drug and alcohol use and its impact on decision-making and personal control.

Let's talk about sex

Non-fiction

Biological and psychological information about sex: from puberty and conception to birth control and STIs, including sections on the body, families and babies, and sexual health. New edition includes expanded information on internet, texting safety, contraception and LGBT.

Let's talk about the birds and the bees

Non-fiction

Cartoon illustrated book for parents to read to children about differences between male and female reproductive systems, private body parts, sexual intercourse, love, puberty, what touching is ok/not ok, families. Simple facts as a starting point for conversations. 

Book review by Cath Hak 6min (external link)

Age: Parents and teachers of 4 to 11 year olds.

Let's talk about where babies come from

Non-fiction

Comics and cartoons outlining:  similarities and differences between girls and boys, growing up, reproductive organs, how babies are made, what sex is, what is love, same sex attraction, conception, pregnancy, different types of birth, genetics (e.g. hair colour), different kinds of families, keeping safe (consensual touch), HIV (but not other STI/BBVs). A book that parents/teachers can read to younger children, or older children can read themselves. 

Book review by Cath Hak 4min 36sec.

Age: 7 to 11 years.

Let's Yarn!

Let’s Yarn! has been developed to make it easier for educators, parents and health professionals to talk to young Aboriginal people about ways of developing strong, safe and healthy relationships. The website brings together useful resources developed by WA Health and other government and non-government agencies around Australia.

Making sense of sex: a forthright guide to puberty, sex and relationships for people with Asperger's Syndrome

A paperback book for teenagers and young adults with Asperger's Syndrome who have questions about puberty, sex and relationships.

Not as simple as 'no means no': what young people need to know about consent

A news article from The Conversation written by Jacqui Hendriks from Curtin University.

Parent-adolescent sexual communication and adolecent safer sex behavior: a meta-analysis

An article describing the importance of parent-adolescent communication to reduce risky sexual behaviour in young people.

Parents and their support for school-based relationships and sexuality education - Western Australia Snapshot Report (2022)

This project and final report were commissioned by the Western Australian Department of Health to examine parents' and caregivers' attitudes towards school-based relationships and sexuality education. This report summaries the WA data from the broader National survey.

Perceptions and Experiences of First Sexual Intercourse in Australian Adolescent Females

This article aims to better understand the factors that influence the initiation of first intercourse among adolescent females and to explore the context in which this occurs.

Principles of gender-inclusive puberty and health education (2016)

Providing perspectives and language to account for every student's unique journey through puberty to adulthood.

Responding to problem sexual behaviour in children and young people (2019)

Guidelines for education and care settings on responding to problem sexual behaviours (3rd edition, 2019). Lists age appropriate behaviours, concerning behaviours and serious behaviours with steps schools can take to respond and protect children.

Results of the first national survey of Australian secondary teachers of sexuality education (2010)

Results of a survey of nearly 300 secondary school teachers across Australia.

School grants

How schools have utilised their WA Health grants to improve RSE in schools.