Description
Today’s adolescents have unprecedented access to sexual information.
This is a profound change for this generation of teenagers.
On their own, without having to wait for parents to purchase books or schools to offer programs, they are bringing their sex-related questions, concerns, interests, and hormone-driven needs into the technological arena.
Modern technology has undone centuries of secrecy surrounding sex.
Now it is up to the parents and educators who care about fostering healthy sexual development to bring clarity and purpose to the technological advancements.
Sex Ed in the Digital Age
by Carolyn Cooperman
Sex Ed in the Digital Age includes structured lesson plans designed to equip educators and parents with skills that are necessary for meeting the challenges of the digital age.
The principle objectives of the lesson plans are to help teens become more discriminating about electronic use; to know how to locate accurate information; and to better understand the impact that electronic communications have on self and others.
Contents Include:
- Principles for sex education
- Creating a supportive environment for learning about sexual health
- How to use Sex Ed in the Digital Age
- How to use role-play
- Resources section
- Apps
- Clickers
- Controlling your privacy on Facebook
- Snapchat
- Tumblr
- With entire sections on:
- INTRODUCING TEENS TO SEX EDUCATION IN THE DIGITAL AGE
- HOW TECHNOLOGY AFFECTS RELATIONSHIPS
- CREATING SAFE, INCLUSIVE PROGRAMS
- PRIVACY, CONSENT, AND SAFETY
- CRITICAL DECISION-MAKING IN A CHANGING WORLD
- PREPARING SEX EDUCATORS AND PARENTS FOR THE DIGITAL AGE
The initial impetus for this project began with an observation that will not come as a surprise to those of us who work in the field of sex education—-teenagers are as interested in technology as they are in sex.
By linking the two, it then becomes possible to tap into an integral part of the adolescent experience. The opportunity to work with young people and explore subject matter that reaches into the core of their development is an exciting prospect for educators.
Editor Assistant –
Megara Bell & Brian Flaherty (Partners in Sex Education) –
“Sex Ed in the Digital Age is a tremendous addition to the pantheon of CFLE curricula. There are lessons on sexting, pornography, and social media, on evaluating sexuality information found on websites for accuracy and authority, and creating technology-based resources to prevent bullying and promote inclusiveness in classrooms. There are some great lessons that address the concerns of parents and other professionals. The table of contents alone provides a comprehensive guide to what needs to be covered when addressing this increasingly essential topic — and the lessons within provide expert guidance for addressing them with honesty, openness, and accuracy.”
Editor Assistant –
Heather Corinna (Founder, Scarleteen) –
“I think this is FANTASTIC. It is fantastic media literacy education, fantastic sex education, and an incredible blend of both. I love how well it addresses technology and media critically, but without panic or scare tactics. Nothing in here comes across as adultist to me, which is quite a coup when addressing both sex and technology for young people, two areas where people err with adultism all the time. The approach here seems very teen-friendly, and has a relaxed approach to technology, sex and media I think young people will really resonate with and appreciate. The resounding message to me here is that none of these things are bad, or even necessarily problematic, but that how you use them, what you know about them and how much weight you give them is most of what is going to make experiences with them positive or negative.”
Editor Assistant –
Prof. Osmo Kontula (Chair of Sexuality Education Committee, World Association for Sexual Health) –
“Sex Ed in the Digital Age introduces, guides and updates sex educators, teenagers and parents for the digital age. This is the first modern resource that provides comprehensive link between new technology and sexuality education. Finally sexuality educators can plunge into the world where teenagers live daily. Authors and contributors of this manual earn special honor of this excellent achievement.”
Editor Assistant –
Elizabeth Mooney, DArts (Retired Research Associate, Kinsey Institute) –
“Sex Ed in the Digital Age is an educational tool that is long overdue in the world of today’s teenagers. The lesson plans are carefully crafted and easy to follow. This book also works well to help sexuality educators design courses that are intellectually and developmentally sound and exciting for the students. I heartily recommend this book to educators who are willing to move forward in their educational structure.”
Editor Assistant –
Jack Myers (Author of Hooked Up: A New Generation’s Surprising Take on Sex, Politics, and Saving the World) –
“For young people in the Internet Age, questions of what’s acceptable, what’s publicly acknowledged, what’s socially the norm when it comes to sexual behavior, are changing. A new approach to sex education in the Internet Age is required to reflect and respond to the changing knowledge, exposure and attitudes of young people toward sex. Sex Ed in the Digital Age offers educators, parents and administrators an important guide for educating increasingly sophisticated and sexually advanced students.”
Editor Assistant –
Trina Scott (Founder, Women of Color Sexual Health Network) –
“Millennials are digital natives who are diverse, tech savvy, and open-minded to innovative ideas. Sex Ed in the Digital Age brings together youth development strategies, promotes best practices that integrate sexual health and rights information, and offers young people’s experiences as a valuable contribution. This tool will give sex educators and families the facts and skills to provide young people with information they need to protect their health and futures.”
Editor Assistant –
Cory Neering (Vice President of Education with Planned Parenthood of South Florida & the Treasure Coast) –
“Sex Ed in the Digital Age is a “blue ocean” teaching manual, charting unexplored waters. My education staff and I love it!”
Editor Assistant –
Amy G. Settele, B.S., M.A. (Youth Transitional Services Specialist & Mother/Step Mother of six teenagers) –
This book will be a highly valuable contribution to any sex education curriculum, and will benefit a population which is both deserving of and in need of the awareness and information it provides with regard to sexuality and relationships in the age of technology. Excellent!!