Beyond the Birds and the Bees: Talking to Teens About Sexual Health in Alberta
— By Amy Lambert
In February and March 2025, Pro-Choice YQL has hosted three events titled "Beyond the Birds and the Bees: How to Talk to Teens and Youth About Sexual Health," in Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, and virtually across Alberta. With new legislation changing the sexual health curriculum and a syphilis outbreak in the province, we felt it was the perfect time to have ‘the talk’ about ‘the talk’—and explore how we can better support the youth in our lives.
We were joined by eight expert panelists, including OBGYNs, educators, family doctors, counselors, and sexual health advocates. Their insights shed light on the challenges and opportunities in sexual health education and resource access in Alberta.
Here’s what you need to know about recent legislative changes, key takeaways from our discussions, and resources to help support youth in making informed choices about their sexual health.
Bill 27: What's Changing in Sex Ed
Despite 85% of parents in Canada agreeing that sexual health education should be taught in schools, Bill 27 (The Education Amendment Act) was passed in December 2024, introducing significant changes to how sex education will be taught in Alberta schools. Here are the three key changes:
Ministry approval of third-party teaching materials:
All third-party resources covering human sexuality, sexual orientation, or gender identity now require approval from the Ministry of Education.
Parental notification for pronoun use:
Schools must inform and obtain parental consent if a student under 15 wishes to be referred to by a different pronoun or name. For students 16-17, parents must still be notified. This essentially outs students before they are ready.
Parental opt-in for sex education:
Parents must now explicitly opt-in for their children to receive instruction on gender identity, sexual orientation, or human sexuality. A minimum 30-day notice is required before these lessons take place.
Alberta Teachers Association, 2024
If you’re concerned about these changes, reach out to your school administration and board members to ask how they plan to implement these policies. While this is a provincial law, school boards will determine how it’s enforced.
Key Takeaways from Our Expert Panel
Many of us have never received comprehensive sexual health education, so teaching it ourselves seems like an overwhelming task. The reality is that starting the conversation somewhere is better than not at all. We continuously heard throughout our events that parents and caregivers were learning about the body, consent, and the healthcare system in ways they never knew. We hope some of these key takeaways help us all understand our own bodies, and our sexual and reproductive health a little more!
Swap 'The Talk' for 'More Talks"
The formality and pressure of ‘The Talk’ can often create a barrier to having a meaningful and authentic conversation about sexual health. One of my favourite takeaways from a panellist was to “go see a movie and ask them what they thought about the relationships—did they think it was healthy?” Engaging in everyday conversations with our youth about relationships, connection, values, and desires helps build trust and fosters open communication over time. These discussions don’t always need to be formal, sit-down talks; they can happen naturally as part of ongoing conversations that evolve in everyday moments.
STI Testing Isn't Taboo - It's Just Part of Healthcare
Here’s the reality—STIs are making a comeback, and it’s not the kind of nostalgia we want. Syphilis rates are now at their highest since the 1940s, which led the government to declare an outbreak back in 2019.
STI testing should be as routine as any other health check-up, yet it often comes with a stigma. The good news is that in Alberta, even without a family doctor, people can access STI testing at AHS Sexual Health Clinics across the province.
A common misconception is that a simple urine or swab test is all you need. However, to test for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis, blood tests are also necessary. The type of sex someone has—whether oral, anal, or vaginal—determines which STI tests are required.
Educating youth on why STI testing is such a crucial part of sexual health is essential. Untreated STIs can lead to infertility, and it's important that youth understand the value of testing to protect their long-term health and future options.
Did You Know?
Head, Shoulders, Knees, Toes... and Penis, and Vulva too!
When it comes to sexual health, language matters. Using the correct anatomical terms is an important part of building a positive relationship with our bodies. We heard from the Doctors on our panel that many adults struggle to name their body parts correctly, which can make it hard for them to describe their healthcare needs openly.
By teaching youth the proper names for their body parts, we help them communicate clearly with healthcare providers and identify when something doesn’t feel right. Avoiding nicknames and using terms like "penis", "vulva", and "labia" helps normalize these parts of the body, removing any stigma or shame attached to them.
The goal is to empower youth to speak confidently about their bodies and feel comfortable setting boundaries.
Start With Consent
Consent was a topic that came up in every panellist's discussion. Consent is the foundation block of sexual health. It should be learned early, and it is never too soon to start. By showing children that it's okay to say no, whether it's about a hug or a kiss, we're laying the groundwork for healthy, respectful relationships later on.
Modelling consent from a young age does not have to be complicated. Even as babies, you can explain what you're doing (like "I'm going to wipe your bum now" or "I am going to pick you up"). As kids grow, the foundation of consent empowers them to confidently say no when something doesn't feel right, or they do not want it, and ensure they can advocate for their boundaries as they enter adulthood.
Government of Alberta
Opting In Doesn't Make Sex Ed Comprehensive
Even before Bill 27, Alberta’s sex education curriculum was minimal—often a single lesson. Now, with opt-in policies, even fewer students will receive these lessons. Families and communities must fill in the gaps.
Unfortunately, the changes made to the curriculum don't fill the knowledge gaps. Conversations about sexual health, healthy relationships, and our bodies need to extend into the home as well.
However, parents aren't alone in this. A great resource is to book an appointment with a sexual health nurse through an AHS Sexual Health Clinic. While we may not have all the answers, we can make sure to connect our youth with those who do as a crucial step in bridging the knowledge gap in sexual health.
Did You Know?
Resources In Your Community!
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Free birth control (for those under 29)
STI & pregnancy testing
Sexual health nurses
HPV and hepatitis vaccinations
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Sexual health & abortion referrals
Educational workshops
24/7 access line
Financial assistance for reproductive healthcare
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Healthy relationships programs
Parent workshops
2SLGBTQ+ support
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Sex & U: Trusted sexual health info from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
Teaching Sexual Health: Resources for parents and educators
Media Smarts: Digital safety & online sexual health education
Book Recommendations for Youth!
Sex is a Funny Word: A Book About Bodies, Feelings, and YOU! – Cory Silverberg & Fiona Smyth
You Know, Sex: Bodies, Gender, Puberty, and Other Things – Cory Silverberg & Fiona Smyth
Final Thoughts
Sexual health education is more than just facts—it’s about equipping youth with the tools to make informed decisions, advocate for their bodies, and build healthy relationships. With Alberta’s shifting policies, the role of parents, caregivers, and communities in filling the education gap has never been more critical.
