Frontiers in Psychology (Nov 2024)

Parental opposition to comprehensive sexuality education in Australia: associations with religiosity and school sector

  • Jacqueline Hendriks,
  • Jacqueline Hendriks,
  • Neil Francis,
  • Hanna Saltis,
  • Hanna Saltis,
  • Katrina Marson,
  • Jenny Walsh,
  • Natasha Lawton,
  • Sharyn Burns,
  • Sharyn Burns

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1391197
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15

Abstract

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PurposeTo empirically examine associations between parental opposition towards comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and religiosity.MethodsA nationally representative survey of Australian parents (N = 2,418) examined opposition towards 40 CSE topics, by parental religiosity and secular/religious school sector.ResultsWhilst opposition to most CSE topics correlated positively with religiosity, even amongst very religious parents, disapproval was minimal (2.8–31.2%; or 9.0–20.2% netted against non-religious parents). Parents with children enrolled in a Catholic school were less likely than secular-school parents to oppose CSE. Those with children at other-faith-schools were more likely to oppose CSE, but again disapproval was minimal (1.2–21.9%; or 1.3–9.4% netted against secular-school parents).DiscussionOnly small minorities of very religious parents and parents with children in religious schools opposed the teaching of various CSE topics. Decision-makers should therefore be cautious about assuming that CSE delivery is not widely supported by particular families.

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