Sex Education.
What is comprehensive sex education (CSE)?
CSE is a rights-based, public health approach to sex education that equips young people with the knowledge and skills to understand and develop agency in all aspects of their sexual health and wellbeing. CSE recognizes sexuality as a central part of human development and is medically accurate, age-appropriate, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ+ youth and people with disabilities, anti-racist, and shame-free. It encompasses the physical, emotional, mental, social, and societal dimensions of sexuality, including relationships, identity, consent, personal safety, and reproductive health, and affirms that all people are sexual beings deserving of respect, dignity, and access to accurate information and resources.
About Us
The Thrive NJ Sex Education Subcommittee is composed of sex education experts, organizations, and other key stakeholders working to ensure young people across New Jersey receive high-quality, comprehensive, inclusive sex education. We serve as a connector, convener, and resource hub to support parents, educators, schools, community-based organizations, healthcare providers, and advocates who are committed to ensuring young people receive the information and skills they deserve to support their sexual health and wellbeing.
Our Mission
To serve as New Jersey’s central connector to sex education resources, supporting organizations, schools, and families in understanding how comprehensive sex education (CSE) fits into their work and day-to-day lives, and ensuring young people have access to the education they have the right to receive.
We recognize that inclusive, medically accurate sex education is increasingly under attack. The Sex Education Subcommittee advocates alongside school boards, state leaders, educators, and community partners to protect and advance CSE across New Jersey.
Our Vision
We envision a New Jersey where every young person receives medically accurate, age-appropriate, inclusive, and affirming sex education. Educators and healthcare providers are well-equipped, well-trained, and connected to essential sex education resources. Parents feel confident and supported as primary sex educators in their children’s lives. Organizations and schools understand how sex education strengthens their mission and impact. Comprehensive sex education is recognized and supported as a public health priority with policies that support and protect access to CSE and sexual and reproductive healthcare.
Why is CSE so important?
Studies show that CSE is associated with delayed sexual initiation, increased use of birth control, including condoms, fewer sexual partners, and reduced sexual risk behaviors, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and rates of unintended pregnancy. CSE does not result in young people having sex sooner than they otherwise would, despite the unfounded claims of some who oppose CSE. In fact, it helps young people wait to have sex for the first time until they are ready and helps them reduce unintended outcomes when they are.