Sexual Health Education in Early Childhood

Examining Early Years Frameworks Across Canada

Bibliographic Data

ID22124151
AuthorsJessica Prioletta (0000-0002-5162-4206, Bishop's University), Lindsay Herriot (0000-0002-6148-7727, University of Victoria), Adam Davies (0000-0002-9169-4997, University of Guelph), Pam Malins (Wilfrid Laurier University)
Year2026
Pages125-143
Publication date2026-05-06
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Childhood Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2371-4107 • E-ISSN: 2371-4115
PublisherUniversity of Victoria Libraries (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.18357/jcs513202621835
OpenAlexW7160550568
LanguageEN
References cited32

In this paper, the authors draw on a reconceptualist framework to explore if and how sexual health content is addressed in provincial/territorial/Indigenous early years frameworks across Canada. Specifically applying a postdevelopment lens, this study examines how principles of the Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education are present, absent, or alluded to in the early years frameworks in Canada. Findings show that explicit references to sexuality were largely absent across the frameworks, with a few notable exceptions. However, the authors illustrate openings in the current frameworks for integrating sexual health content in early years settings. The article concludes with a discussion on the opportunities for change and the theoretical shifts required in Canadian early years frameworks in efforts to ensure children’s access to comprehensive sexuality education

Human sexuality · Reproductive health · Sex education · Sexual behavior · Sexuality education · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Child Abuse and Trauma · School Health and Nursing Education

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