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Relationships, Gender & Sexuality 2009  Evaluation of a teaching resource for sexuality education [|likeitis.org.au]- //**Sex like it is, exactly how it is!** //

by Jarrod Epps & James Clayton

TITLE: __**** LIKE IT IS – Puberty, Peer Pressure, Teenage Pregnancy, Contraception, STI’s ** REFERENCE: __**** http://www.likeitis.org.au ** DESCRIPTION OF RESOURCE: __**** likeitis.org.au is an interactive sexuality education website designed to educate teens on a range of sexual health issues. It aims to provide straightforward comprehensive sexuality education using language that all young people can easily relate to. **
 * BACKGROUND **
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**At the 'click' of a button users can access information on a range of topics including:**


 * [|Puberty]** - this section discusses the various issues and changes that teenagers may experience during puberty. Included is a graphic illustration (as is shown below) of the male and female reproductive systems which allows the user to visualise the female and male anatomy in respects to the sexual reproductive organs.




 * [|Periods]** (menstrual cycle) - this section answers many of the questions that young females may have; such as:
 * When can I expect my first period?
 * How long does a cycle last for?
 * How long will I have my period for?
 * Annoying symptoms of a period
 * Pads or tampons?
 * [|Journey of the egg] - a moving diagram, showing the monthly journey an egg makes from the ovaries to the uterus....


 * [|Sexuality]** - this section explains how many young people may feel confused about their sexuality when hormones start "surging" through the body. To help young people who are confused the website outlines some of the information in regards to how different people discover their sexuality; discussing what different people feel and highlighting the different sexualities:
 * Homosexual
 * Bisexual
 * Heterosexual

> The section also includes many resources, links and information on what a person can do if pregnant:
 * [|Teenage Pregnancy]** - this section gives young females (and males if interested) the oportunity to learn about the signs and symptoms one may experience if pregnant:
 * missed period
 * feeling sick
 * vomiting
 * sore breasts
 * tiredness
 * the need to urinate more often.
 * Tests (am i pregnant)
 * Contraception (prevent pregnancy)
 * Your options (if pregnant)
 * Talking it over (deciding what to do)

In addition it provides a range of strategies that can be used to deal with peer pressure.
 * [|Peer Pressure] -** this section provides information on some of the pressures and influences young people may experience during adolescence including:
 * Fashion choice
 * Decision to have a boyfriend/girlfriend
 * Alcohol and other drug use
 * Smoking
 * Choice of who our friends are
 * Performance at school
 * Addressing**: What to do, what to say and how to act. . ..

It addresses the curiosities that all young people experience during puberty and throughout their lives. __**Links include**__ [|First time for boys] [|First time for girls]
 * [|Sex]** - this section includes information about sex such as:
 * Masturbation
 * Kissing & touching
 * Oral sex
 * Going all the way

The section also includes information on educating young people for which contraception methods best suit their needs at different points during their lives.
 * [|Contraception] -** this section provides information on several topics to help inform young people about contraceptives. The section includes information on:
 * Contraception and the law
 * Contraception myths
 * Emergency contraception

If information is used from his section, young people can develop a better knowledge and understanding of sexual health and how to prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
 * [|Love Bugs]** - this section involves informing young people on the nasty side of sex, STIs. Topics used to educate include:
 * STIs
 * Papsmers
 * Sexual Health Checks


 * Each topic presented in this resource is covered in detail and provides the reader with a strong foundation for developing a comprehensive understanding of issues that they may be experiencing during their sexual development.**

**Links:**
 * 1) Critical evaluation of resource
 * 2) Brief recommendations
 * 3) References