It’s My Life, My Responsibility – Sexual Risk Avoidance Education

SRA is a sex education approach based on a recognized and often-used public health model known as “risk avoidance” or “primary prevention.” It is the standard approach used to address risk behaviors such as underage drinking and smoking and is appropriate and beneficial in addressing the risk of teen sex. It differs from a “risk reduction” model in that it seeks to help individuals eliminate all risk as opposed to simply reducing risk. Sexual Risk Reduction (SRR), often called “comprehensive” sex education is primarily focused on increasing contraceptive use among teens. The SRR approach normalizes teen sex and is considered a “secondary prevention” strategy.