School-Based HIV-AIDS Education in Canada.

Overview & Synopsis

Health and education matters in Canada are the responsibility of the government of each individual province. These opportunities for improvement in the Canadian system regarding Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) education exist. First, a nationally standardized curriculum is needed. Second, more time allocated for AIDS education is necessary. Third, media advertising that makes a strong impression upon the audience needs to be produced. Fourth, public health personnel are concerned about sexually active Christian youth who are not receiving information about reducing their high-risk behavior using modes of protection. Fifth, parents often exclaim that sex education should occur in the home, yet statistics say it is not happening there. Programs of education for special high risk populations such as street youth and Native persons need to be individualized. Canadian school psychologists should make a concerted effort to provide doctors and nurses with tools of education and support so that they can play a greater role in AIDS/sex education programs in schools. (ABL)