The Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) has received questions this week about sex education curriculum in Idaho.
DHW does not support or fund any "porn literacy" for children in Idaho. DHW provides evidence-based, optional sex education curriculum, called Reducing the Risk, for Idaho schools. Reducing the Risk does not discuss porn literacy, and it is not a subject taught in the curriculum DHW provides. DHW does not collaborate with or seek the endorsement of Planned Parenthood for sex education curriculum.
Sex education in Idaho schools is addressed in Idaho Code 33-1608. High schools or school districts can choose to offer Reducing the Risk as part of a sex education curriculum. Schools that choose to offer Reducing the Risk do so with parental consent. They offer opt-in or opt-out for parents, in accordance with school district policies and Idaho Code.
Reducing the Risk is medically accurate and covers the following National Health Education Standards:
- How to say no to sex
- Abstinence planning
- How to avoid sexually transmitted infections
- Birth control methods
- Where to find a healthcare provider
- Talking to parents/caregivers about values
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.