Sexuality education in New Zealand schools: what are the factors that permit or enhance, and prevent or limit the implementation of programmes?

Abstract

Many New Zealand schools grapple with the implementation of sexuality education despite widespread support for programmes. The purpose of this research was to ascertain the factors that impact positively and negatively on the implementation of programmes, and to make recommendations as to how schools might use enabling factors to better manage barriers. Boards of trustees, principals and health coordinators who completed the survey represented 170 primary and secondary schools. Although an analysis of the predominantly qualitative data indicated that teachers, communities, programmes and resources were key influences on programme implementation, these factors were found to be inter-related with wider school factors.