Three Decades of Research:
The Case for Comprehensive Sex Education
NEW: Promising Approaches to Comprehensive Sex Education: Evidence From Three Decades of Research.
A review of more than three decades of research shows sex education leads to a wide range of positive outcomes beyond pregnancy and disease prevention. A February 2026 analysis identifies the most effective approaches for achieving these outcomes, including early and inclusive sex education that is integrated across the curriculum and taught by well-prepared educators. Download
Quality sex
education has broad,long-term benefits
for young people’s physical
and mental health
For Three Decades of Research: The Case for Comprehensive Sex Education, Eva S. Goldfarb, Ph.D. and Lisa D. Lieberman, Ph.D. examined studies from over three decades of research on sex education and found “evidence for the effectiveness of approaches that address a broad definition of sexual health and take positive, affirming, inclusive approaches to human sexuality.”