Pushing for Porn-Critical Sex Ed at the National Sex Ed Conference
The Center for Sex Education hosts an annual National Sex Ed Conference, a groundbreaking event that stands out for its intentional focus on inclusion, diversity, and commitment to enhancing the lives of young people. Culture Reframed Program Coordinator Dr. Mandy Sanchez traveled to D.C. to attend the 2023 convening.
The conference distinguishes itself by being intentionally and authentically focused on inclusion and diversity, both in terms of people and perspectives, according to Dr. Sanchez. Reflecting on the event, she said genuine shared experiences and lived realities took center stage.
“I am always taken aback by the number of folks who share stories about the harms of pornography to young people, whether as parents or educators,” said Dr. Sanchez. “Their experiences range from personal experiences with their own children who have been exposed to porn at a young age and the conversations they had (or wish they had sooner) to educators hearing first-hand accounts from students about the normalization and mainstreaming of violent pornography and the real effects this is having on their lives.”
One of the main themes of the conference was the importance of holding a non-judgmental space for youth who need a space to be educated about the harms of pornography. In the United States, approximately half of American teenagers do not receive sex education that meets national goals, despite the shocking rate of pornography exposure to young people.
According to Dr. Sanchez, “The research is clear and the educators and students have spoken – they want sex education and honest, informed conversations about sexual health topics that will assist in their ability to have authentic, healthy, safe, and rewarding relationships.”
The conference provided a platform for educators to learn about the resources and support offered by Culture Reframed’s porn-critical sex ed curriculum. “At this conference, I heard from tons of educators who are so very appreciative of the resources and support that our new porn-critical sex ed curriculum provides them as they navigate these and other relevant topics with young people,” said Dr. Sanchez.
Culture Reframed’s curriculum aligns seamlessly with the themes presented at the National Sex Ed Conference. Its comprehensive, medically accurate, age-appropriate, and anti-exploitation framework aligns with the conference’s mission to learn new skills, combat disinformation, and actively cultivate healing, accountability, and safety.
The National Sex Ed Conference served as a catalyst for change, emphasizing the need for comprehensive sexual health education through raising awareness and shifting cultural narratives about the harm of pornography to young people. “The conference speakers and presenters reinforced a message that Culture Reframed has been advocating since its inception: It is absolutely critical to normalize honest conversations about sexual health with young people so they are well-equipped to make informed decisions that will greatly affect their ability to have authentic, healthy, and safe relationships with themselves and others,” said Dr. Sanchez. “Awareness and education to bridge our knowledge gaps is a crucial first step.”
