Key Messages

  • Young people need to know how and where to access sexual health information relating to STI check-ups.
  • Organising STI testing is important for people to look after their sexual health.

Learning Intention

Students will:

  • Explore behaviours that enhance better health outcomes.
  • Work collaboratively to decide what to do next in each scenario.
  • Recognise risk in sexual activities and identify ways to overcome or reduce risk.

Time

30 Minutes

Required Resources

  • STI check scenario cards
  • Computer and internet access
Download Required Resources

Success Criteria

Students will be able to:

  • Work collaboratively and be able to listen respectfully to alternative options.
  • Identify the importance of being aware of STI risk in any type of sexual relationship.
  • Assess different situations relating to STIs and identify appropriate responses and courses of action that a young person could take.

Teaching Notes

The purpose of this activity is to discuss the importance of seeking sexual health information and access to STI testing. Students may consider the following people/ places or actions when brainstorming options:

  • Parent
  • Doctor
  • Teacher
  • Wellbeing staff
  • Pharmacist
  • Taking Post exposure prophylaxis PeP (HIV medication)
  • Taking Pre exposure prophylaxis PrEP (HIV medication)
  • STI test
  • Former partners
  • Pregnancy test
  • Taking Emergency Contraception
  • Health clinics

Direct students to reputable places for researching sexual health information such as Sexual Health Victoria (shvic.org.au).

Note that some scenarios might lead to the need for pregnancy testing. That is not the focus of this activity, but it should be raised as part of managing sexual health.

Please note: it is important to consider people of all genders and all types of relationships. Scenarios do not always specify the gender of those involved. Ask students to consider any additional information/health services that gender diverse or same sex attracted people may need.

Procedure

  1. Distribute scenario sheet to small groups of students. (Or show on screens).
  2. Students discuss scenarios and brainstorm multiple options for the next steps that could be taken.
  3. Students then research what is involved in each step, including costs, the need for appointments, what could be expected from a STI test, who can/should attend, where and what services are
    available to young people. Students should also include online sources of information they find useful and reputable.
  4. Students should also determine what permission, if any, is required from parents/carers.

*Note this activity could be a class discussion. Use scenario cards as class display.

Questioning

Suggested discussion or research points:

  • Provide several possible outcomes from the scenario? Select the one you think is the best course of action.
  • Outline in detail what, where, when, who and why a person would need to do these things.
  • Who are the adults a young person could go to for help? What makes these people useful?
  • Does your school offer a service that would support the young people in this scenario?
  • Are there any specific youth friendly services available to young people in this situation?
  • Telling a partner/previous partner about an STI can be difficult. How would someone go about it? What would make the situation less awkward?

Extension Activity

  • Write a story or make a film based on what comes next in the scenario. It may involve going to a doctor, STI testing or telling other partners you have tested positive for an STI.
  • Students could make a public service announcement clip or poster on how to prevent the spread of STIs.
  • Students could write a script for the conversation the young people could have before they become sexually active to reduce their risk of STIs.

Curriculum Information