What Should Sex Education Look Like in 2023?

To find out, we surveyed 1,500 caregivers nationwide for our 2023 Parents Sex Education survey. What we learned was surprising—and refreshing. Here's what to know.

By Parents Editors

Updated on June 8, 2023

Fact checked by Karen Cilli

Melissa Pintor Carnagey, licensed social worker and author of Sex Positive Talks to Have With Kids

“Young people receive all levels of math—more than they will ever use in their adult life—but are shortchanged when it comes to learning about their bodies, consent, healthy relationships, and sexual decision making. These are vital life skills.”

— Melissa Pintor Carnagey, licensed social worker and author of Sex Positive Talks to Have With Kids

A Note From Parents' Editors

For many of us growing up, sex education instilled a lot of fear, heteronormative rules, and certainly did not allow room for conversation. And for those of us who grew up as first generation kids or in more traditional homes, we didn't dare talk about sex with our parents. But now as caretakers ourselves, we want things to be different for our kids.

Even with the best intentions, teaching our children about sex is still a complicated matter. That's why we surveyed 1,500 parents nationwide to learn more about how this generation is approaching the conversation with their kids. Spoiler alert: They want more than what most schools are offering today.

Take a look at we learned about how to talk to your kids.