Happy Week 6 to the youth as it comes to an end.
The importance of sexual health and sex education for children and young people was the focus of Week 6 in the town's schools. Schools, community centres, youth centres and libraries in Hafnarfjörður are actively taking part in the week to raise awareness of sexual health in a variety of ways.
Week 6 is the sixth week of the year and has become established.
The focus on the importance of sexual health and sex education for children and young people has been the theme of this week, known as Week 6, in the town's schools. Schools, youth clubs, youth centres and libraries in Hafnarfjörður are actively taking part in the week to raise awareness of sexual health in a variety of ways. The theme for Week 6 this year is communication and relationships.
Hafnarfjörður has taken important steps towards improved sexual health and equality through the implementation of comprehensive sex and gender education in the town's primary schools. Implementation began this autumn for pupils in years 9 to 11, alongside the development of a dedicated curriculum which includes competency-based standards for years 1 to 11. This focus on sex education is key to building a healthy society and has significant preventative value.
Important to promote sexual health for preventative purposes
- Healthcare and preventionStrengthening sexual health contributes to better healthcare, especially in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and premature pregnancies.
- Increased knowledge and understandingSexual health education provides young people with the necessary knowledge and understanding of their own bodies, sexuality and sex.
- Healthy communicationLearning about sexual health involves important education about consent, boundaries and healthy communication, which are fundamental to all relationships.
- Reducing the negative effects of pornographyWith the right education, it is possible to reduce the negative effects of pornography on young people.
- Mental health and identityAn understanding and a healthy attitude towards sex and sexual health has a positive effect on individuals' mental health and self-identity.
- Less about sexual violenceSexual health education can reduce the incidence of sexual violence and harassment by teaching about consent and boundaries.
Some findings from the latest surveys:
- A new survey conducted in the autumn reveals that 52% girls in the 10th grade in Hafnarfjörður have been asked to send a provocative or nude photo of themselves, and 15% boys. Only 5% girls and 6% boys have asked for such a picture (Research and Analysis – Survey 2023)
- The Icelandic Youth Research – Full Results report states that 46% of 10th-grade pupils have at some point in their lives received unsolicited pornographic messages.
- We see that with awareness-raising and education, the number of people who watch pornography decreases (Research and Analysis – survey 2023).
The poster is issued by the City of Reykjavík to mark VIKU6.