Nearly 90 percent of Oklahoma voters support sexual health education in schools

Oklahomans support, by huge margins, sexual health education in schools, as well as the benefits it provides.

A survey conducted among more than 1,000 registered voters found that 88 percent of voters support access to sex education in middle and high school, reflecting a widespread belief that education is one of the most effective ways to improve health outcomes.

“When we equip young people with the tools to communicate, understand their own bodies, and build strong, healthy relationships, we empower them to take control of their health and well-being,” said Tosha Baird, COO of honestly, which is building a movement to improve the sexual health outcomes for Oklahoma County’s youth.

“A key part of this work is helping young people identify trusted adults in their community who can support and guide them, ensuring they are not navigating these important decisions alone,” Baird said.

Other key findings demonstrated that voters highly value the positive results of evidence-based sexual health education programs:

• 90 percent strongly agree that lowering sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is important;

• 89 percent of Oklahomans support teaching students about healthy relationships and consent in school;

• 82 percent of voters, including 76 percent of self-described conservatives, believe lowering teen pregnancy is important;

• 78 percent strongly agree that teaching about STIs in school is important; and,

• 78 percent of Oklahomans strongly support teaching students how to talk with parents and caregivers about puberty and sexual health.

“This survey demonstrates what we know to be true. Oklahomans across all regions, demographics, and political affiliations strongly support sex ed that provides accurate information,” said Heather Duvall, executive director of Amplify Youth Health Collective, which advances youth sexual health and wellbeing through education, collaboration and advocacy.

“We encourage Oklahomans to reach out to their local schools to find out what sexual health education programs they offer, and to advocate for evidence-based, age-appropriate education for young people across our state,” Duvall said.

The Kirkpatrick Family Fund, which commissioned Amber Integrated to conduct the poll, has provided leadership in central Oklahoma to reduce the teen birth rates since 2006.