Regional Differences in Sexuality Education in Florida: Implications for Programs and Policy

Introduction: Florida has state-level regulations that are meant to influence sexuality education in public schools. However, Florida's growing diversity in demographics holds it render to a wide array of differences in socio-cultural characteristics that may impact what is taught in the classroom. The aim of this study was to provide a statewide assessment of sexuality education in Florida, exploring differences among major geographic regions of the state (i.e., North, Central, and South).

Methods: Community-based participatory research, scientific review, and a statewide mail-based survey were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data regarding sexuality education from 479 public school personnel throughout Florida. Chi-squares and ANOVAs were performed to test for regional differences among North, Central, and South Floridian teachers...

Results: Significant results were found on nearly all variables of interest. For example, teachers in North Florida were most likely to report that giving students accurate information about sexuality encourages sexual activity. Teachers in Central Florida were most likely to report teaching “abstinence-only,” while they were most likely to report believing that their students were sexually active. Teachers in South Florida were most likely to provide students with information about contraception and safer sex.

Discussion: This study highlights how diversity in Florida may influence how sexuality education is taught at the regional level. We offer suggestions for policy makers and legislators in Florida, and other geographically and culturally complex states, to consider the significance of regional and contextual differences in the design and implementation of both local and statewide sexuality education programs.