Over the past five weeks I have had the pleasure of participating in courses, teaching opportunities and clinics run by Sexual and Reproductive Health WA. As someone with a passion for quality sex education, as well a soft spot for a good educational video, here is a list of the best online sex ed videos I saw during this period.
Intrauterine Devices
This excellent video from NHS Lothian details the difference between the two IUD options as well as outlining how they work and their pros and cons. A must watch for anyone considering an IUD, or anyone interested in learning more about this contraceptive option.
Tea Consent
The Thames Valley Police decided to tackle the issue of sexual consent by comparing it to making cups of tea- brilliant! The video below is an American version of it (which the only version I can now find on YouTube).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQbei5JGiT8
NOTE: If you prefer the original British version, it looks like it can still be found on this page:
Porn Sex vs. Real Sex
Given that some Australian research suggests that 93% of males and 62% of females aged 13-16 years had seen porn online, it’s important that young people learn to appreciate the difference between porn sex and real sex. This video explains the basic differences via the medium of food. Enjoy their creative use of Nutella!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q64hTNEj6KQ
The ‘Porn vs. Reality’ video on the Tune In Not Out website also does a reasonable job at explaining the differences, but I still prefer the food version.
http://www.tuneinnotout.com/topics/sex/
A Booking with a Sex Worker
During my time at Sexual and Reproductive Health WA, I spent a week working with the lovely ladies at Magenta, the sex worker support service. This is a video they use in their presentations to explain what a booking with a sex working is actually like.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bS_8d3hnK9Y
I like this video too: sex workers come in all shapes, sizes, ages, races and genders!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ5zTnh_3zc
Sexperience
This is a site from the UK with loads of excellent sex ed videos. I’ve listed a few of my favourites below, and all of these address the diversity of normal bodies.
Vulva Assembly
https://sexperienceuk.channel4.com/videos/8037
Male Genitals Assembly
https://sexperienceuk.channel4.com/videos/7905
Natural Breasts Gallery
https://sexperienceuk.channel4.com/videos/7681
Embarrassing Bodies
I didn’t watch any Embarrassing Bodies during my time at Sexual and Reproductive Health WA, but the Sexperience videos above got me thinking about the excellent work this show does. Not only do they have many great segments on ‘embarrassing’ sexual and reproductive problems, but they have also produced a series on puberty and sex entitled ‘Am I Normal?’ These videos feature my fave Dr. Dawn Harper, as well as the cast of Hollyoakes (which, if you haven’t spent any time in the UK, is some seriously good trash).
http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/video/am-i-normal/
Sex Ed for Adults
TED talks are wonderful. TED talks about sex are even better. This compilation of seven TED talks covers everything from penis anatomy and abortion to insect sex and HIV.
https://www.ted.com/playlists/293/sex_ed_for_adults
This TEDx talk by Starlady that I saw during my five-week stint is an interesting take on gender diversity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tVGSTxcsSU
Voices of Sexuality Education
The Centre for Excellence in Rural Sexual Health website is a great resource for sex ed teachers. I particularly like their ‘Voices of Sexuality Education’ videos, which address a wide range of issues including ethical sex, social media, people with disabilities and gender diversity. They also have a set of videos called ‘Smart and Deadly’ aimed at people involved in Aboriginal sexual health promotion.
http://www.cersh.com.au/voices/
Ask Grandad
Even though they aren’t easily found online, I felt I had to include Ansell’s ‘Ask Grandad’ videos. Watching Harold from Neighbours chat about how to put a condom on is priceless.
The videos can be found on the Ansell website by registering at the following site:
http://ansellsex-ed.com.au/ask-grandad-online-resources/
And here’s a news.com.au article about the videos:
If you have seen any excellent sex ed videos yourself, please let me know. I’m always on the hunt for more good ones!
Matilda Whitworth 