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Lucinda

1. I aim to improve my physical activity by going for a 20-minute walk every day I can after I finish class.

2. I aim to eat at least 4 different types of fruits/vegetables per day; this will reduce my sugar intake and will boost my vitamins and energy.

Simone

1. I aim to use my technology less, specifically social media to be able to be more active which will help with my physical and mental wellbeing.

2. I also aim to create meal plans for weekdays to make sure I am eating breakfast and lunch in a healthier way

Mary

1. I aim to reduce my screentime from an average of 19 to a healthy 2-5 hours a day. I also aim to limit my spending on Ubers and DiDis to get to school and use public transportation as an opportunity to get some exercise in.

2. I aim to reduce my sugar intake, drink more water and focus on eating foods that are packed with vitamins and minerals that I may be missing.

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Teenage pregnancy is a worldwide health concern that negatively impacts birth outcomes and may contribute to ongoing cycles of poverty and poor health across generations. It is important to teach this topic to children as it relates to the Healthy Achievement Program Priority area Sexual health and wellbeing ensuring that they are educated on healthy relationships, consent, diversity, and safe sexual practices. It is more prevalent in communities experiencing social and economic disadvantage. Teenage pregnancy poses serious risks for both the mother and baby. Mothers are more likely to face mental health challenges such as depression, socioeconomic disadvantage, health complications, and partner violence. These factors often reinforce cycles of intergenerational poverty and early parenthood. Babies of teenage mothers are at higher risk of preterm birth, low birthweight, stillbirth, neonatal death, and developmental difficulties. Underlying social and economic disadvantage contributes to these outcomes. Mann, L., Bateson, D., & Black, K. I. (2020, June)

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We chose this topic because we feel it is a very big part of our society, especially for our younger generations discovering their own bodies as well as others, but might not understand all the concepts around it. It will be able to be informative and useful for students to use to be able to help make the right choices for themselves.

Growing up isn't easy. Teens face physical and emotional changes that can make them feel confused, alone, or worried about being different. Many don't ask important questions because they fear judgment or ridicule. While the internet offers some answers, online information can sometimes increase confusion or feelings of shame.

We aim to create a safe space for learning where young people feel valued, heard, and comfortable seeking guidance. By encouraging open conversations and showing that vulnerability is normal, we want our younger generations to understand that their questions and experiences matter, and that they're never alone in their journey.

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Lucinda- In my final year of primary school, we were introduced to sex education, with a focus on puberty and conception. The lessons involved group discussions where teachers explained different body parts through diagrams and teacher discussions of the process of reproduction in a formal and concise manner. In high school, this topic was revisited through PowerPoint presentations and formal assessments. A key challenge I experienced during these classes was the general immaturity of students as well as being a part of a strict Catholic school. Many struggled to take the subject seriously, often treating it as a joke, which at times caused discomfort. However, this lighthearted approach also made the information more memorable. Additionally, being in a strict Catholic school, we were not really taught much content about the important topic.

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Simone - The idea of puberty in my primary school began around year 2 for all the girls to learn about why they are changing. This was an after school activity where we learnt why certain changes happen, which we had our mums or relative come along with us. In year 6, we had a guest speaker come in for sex education and it taught the idea of conception. It was mainly only the main idea of conception and what happens inside the body rather than anything else. It was light-hearted but I feel as though I was not informed enough. By the time high school came around I seemed quite naive and uniformed on the topic. In year 8 – 9 Sex education was briefly touched on once again, but this time about safe sex as well as STDS. Consent was also discussed but was mainly just very basic information. I felt as though the sex education at school lacked quite a bit and I learnt more from asking my parents and friends any questions I had.

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Mary -I attended a private Catholic primary school, and in sixth grade the girls and boys were separated into different classrooms. At the time, I assumed this was because the boys had been involved in multiple altercations throughout the year. However, I later realised that it was actually an opportunity for the teachers to speak with us girls about puberty and the physical changes that were either happening or soon to come. While I appreciated the attempt to prepare us, I also felt that separating genders created a kind of barrier — it limited our understanding of each other’s experiences and may have reinforced a sense of division. Still, it did act as a gateway that led into more formal sex education in high school.

In my first two years of high school, Biology was a compulsory subject, serving both as a pathway into Chemistry and as an introduction to sex education. We revisited topics such as puberty, reproduction, and human anatomy, but the approach was highly pedagogical and somewhat disconnected from real life. Key issues like consent, contraception (for safe sex and pregnancy prevention), and the emotional aspects of relationships were largely absent. Instead, we were taught that intercourse should only occur within marriage, that its purpose was to “bear fruit,” and that contraception or even masturbation were considered “unholy” and against the Bible. This messaging discouraged any consideration of contraception, and I felt that those who relied solely on this information would be left unprepared.

Because my high school was also private and Catholic, these topics were never explored in depth. I came away feeling that I hadn’t been taught what I most needed to know. Instead, I realised that I would have to learn about sexual health on my own — either through personal experiences, peers, or by searching online.

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Lucinda

1. One thing you would continue

I would continue testing students on the topics of sex education and consent, which will allow students to recollect important information.

2. One thing you would adapt/change

I would change the teaching style for this topic, as I would also get students to complete games and group activities to lighten the topic but also to make information more memorable and more helpful for visual learning students.

3. One thing you would drop

Instead of making the whole year level learn together through this topic in primary school, I would rather the teacher teach their class individually, as there needs to be better focus on students who may find the topic disturbing.

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Simone

One thing I would continue: Having a trusted relative or guardian when learning from a young age to feel comfortable and safe to ask questions.

One thing I would adapt/change: When teaching students about this topic, we would need to include all types of relationships, beliefs and remove unrealistic expectations. I think it would need to cover a more deeper level for students to understand different perspectives.

One thing you would drop: This is a very taboo topic for a lot of people and I think when teaching this to students, trying to remove that idea that it is a “secret” and “shouldn’t be spoken about”.

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Our focus will be on year 8-12 students, discouraging teens from engaging in teen pregnancy whilst acknowledging the importance of consent. It’s important to talk about teen pregnancy and consent in schools because teenagers are at a stage where they’re learning about themselves, their bodies, and their relationships. Understanding the risks of early pregnancy helps them see how it can affect both their health and their future opportunities. Talking about consent is just as vital, as it teaches respect, boundaries, and how to build safe and healthy relationships. By having these conversations in school, all young people get the chance to learn the facts and feel more confident making informed choices in their lives.

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Sex education is essential in ensuring young adults with the knowledge and confidence to make informed and responsible decisions about their health and relationships. A key aspect of this is teaching about contraception. Not only the different types available, but also how to access and use them safely. For teenagers who may feel scared, confused, or uncertain about what to do, it is vital to create a supportive and judgment free environment where they know they are not alone. Fundamentally, Schools, families, and communities should emphasize that there are safe and explain confidential ways to seek guidance, whether through trusted adults, school counsellos, doctors, or dedicated helplines. By highlighting clear protocols and accessible resources, sex education should ensure that teenagers understand their options, feel reassured about their safety, and know exactly where to turn for help when they need it.

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1. https://pro.playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/games/sexy-luck-dip

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https://www.virtualknowhow.com.au/realcare4.html

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There are a number of online websites that provide information regarding teen pregnancy and support for those who may be struggle with adolescent pregnancy.

Link to the World's Health Organization's page that identifies the issue at hand and underlines the ongoing protocols in place.

Adolescent pregnancy

This website provides options and support for pregnant teens.

Teenage pregnancy | Pregnancy Birth and Baby

On this website there is a discussion on the outcomes and risk factors of teen pregnancy.

Adolescent Pregnancy Outcomes and Risk Factors - PMC

This website is targeted at teens to inform them of their situation and what steps they may be able to take.

Having a Healthy Pregnancy (for Teens) | Nemours KidsHealth

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Key facts

Finding out you are pregnant as a teenager can bring up many different emotions.

You may choose to continue your pregnancy or have a termination.

If you choose to continue your pregnancy, it's important to get medical attention to help prevent complications in pregnancy.

I think I'm pregnant - what should I do?

The only way to be sure that you are pregnant is by taking a pregnancy test. You can have a test by:

Finding out you are expecting a baby can bring up many different emotions. You might feel confused and scared, or happy and excited. All these feelings are normal and okay. Your feelings will probably change while you are thinking about your options.

What are my choices?

If you are pregnant, options for you to consider include:

continuing the pregnancy and raising your child with a partner

continuing the pregnancy and raising your child on your own

continuing the pregnancy and having the baby fostered or adopted

ending the pregnancy (termination)

It's important that you have adequate information about all these options before you decide. Talking with someone may help. This could be:

a trusted friend or family member

a doctor or another health care professional

Unfortunately, many teenagers delay seeking advice when they are pregnant.

Take time to think

The following questions may help you work out what to do at this time in your life.

Your relationships:

Do you have support from family or a partner?

Can you work things out through the tough times?

Your responsibilities:

What does being a parent mean to you?

Who can you call on to offer you emotional and financial support?

Future plans:

How will this decision affect your plans for the future?

Where do you see yourself in 1, 2 and 5 years' time?

It's your right to have:

If you need advice or someone to talk to, please call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436.

Continuing my pregnancy

If you choose to continue with your pregnancy, it's important that you get medical attention. Teenagers have higher rates of complications in pregnancy and childbirth. Good care throughout your pregnancy helps lower this risk.

It's also important that you:

You can talk to a health care professional if you need help with stopping drinking or smoking.

You are also more at risk of postnatal depression.

Talk to your doctor, who can discuss your pregnancy in the strictest confidence.

Issues for teenage parents

Being a teenage parent can make it harder to get an education or find a job. Juggling the responsibilities of being a parent with work, school and a social life can be tiring.

On the other hand, as a teenage parent, you will have the energy to keep up with a toddler. You may find it easier than older parents to deal with getting little or no sleep.

It can be very difficult to find affordable child care. These difficulties can make it hard to cope financially. It can also make you feel lonely and apart from your family and friends. However, support is available for teenage parents.

Ending my pregnancy

There are 2 ways that an abortion can be done:

Surgical abortion - is safe, simple and low-risk when done before 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Medical abortion - where you take some tablets to end your pregnancy. This can only be done for pregnancies of less than 9 weeks.

While it's best to have a termination as early as possible, it's also important to take the time to make the best decision for you. Speak to your doctor about this.

Abortion is legal in Australia. However, there are different abortion laws in each state and territory. These laws state the latest time when an abortion can be performed.

What should I do - my partner's pregnant?

Finding out you've got someone pregnant may take you by surprise. It's normal to feel a range of emotions such as disbelief, anger, joy or happiness.

You might find it hard to deal with the idea of being a parent because you feel:

If you're with your partner, you may want to talk about the options available to you. This may help you decide what you want to do.

It may also be a good idea to talk to someone you trust like:

Some things you should think about are:

I don't think I'm the baby's father

It is possible to have a DNA test to check if you are the father of a baby.

This test uses blood (or other body tissues) from you, the baby and preferably the mother as well. The mother must agree for a sample to be taken from the baby.

If the mother doesn't want to provide a sample, you may need to get a court order. You will need to get legal advice about how to obtain this order.

The test can be done at any age and is now very accurate. Talk with your doctor to find out how to do this.

How do I tell my parents I'm going to have a baby?

Telling your parent or carer that you're pregnant can be daunting.

If you're feeling anxious about telling, it may help to think through the conversation.

Think about how you want to tell them. You could do it:

If anyone becomes angry, ask them to calm down before you continue with the conversation.

Remember that this could be difficult news for them to process. They might need some time to think about what you've told them before they can continue the conversation.

It's normal for your parents to be concerned for you:

They may experience shock, anxiety, anger and sometimes a sense of guilt or responsibility.

They may feel like they have lost their dreams for you.

Some of your choices may go against their values.

They may feel disappointed that you didn't tell them about the pregnancy sooner.

They may be concerned about what friends and other family members think.

If you're worried that they'll react badly, identify a safe place to go afterwards. This gives them a chance to take in the news and calm down.

There are also services available to help if you don't feel supported by your family. See the Resources and Support section below.

Resources and support

Being a teenager and finding out you are expecting a baby can put enormous stress on you and your family. However, there is support available to help you make the best choice at this time.

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby can help you:

You can also call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

Last reviewed: September 2023

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Being a teenager and finding out you are pregnant can put enormous stress on a young person and their family so it's important to be supportive.

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Mary

1. One thing you would continue

Biology being a compulsory subject is a great way to teach students about sex education as it allows for students to learn of human anatomy and have a deeper understanding of what exactly happens in the body through diagrams and videos.

2. One thing you would adapt/change

I would encourage students to seek help and bring any attention to concerns regarding these topics giving them helplines, having teachers assert themselves as trusted adults and encouraging them to also go to their parents or legal guardians for help. I would also create a safe space for students, not so much that they treat the subject lightly but so that they feel comfortable to explore and learn more about their own bodies and reach a deeper level of understanding.

3. One thing you would drop

Even if teaching at a private Catholic school, I hate to make it all about religion as I know that not all students are Catholic. I would abolish the link between sex education and scripture as it may discourage learning in those who may not be Catholic. Referencing scripture is okay but a lesson on sex education is not a Religion class.

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Global Justification:

Teen pregnancy is an issue globally as it is limiting young girls for education, having higher risks of health injury to themselves and the baby as well as socio economic disadvantages. The World Health Organisation says that globally almost 16 million teenagers ages 15-19 give birth every year.

Australia Justification:

In Australia although we have seen positive factors for teenage pregnancy, such as reduced risk of gestational diabetes and less caesarean sections, teenage pregnancy in Australia has shown poorer health for the mother and baby and have a greater risk of per-term births, still births and low birthweights. In 2022 Australia had a birth rate of 8 teen pregnancies per 1000 people, which is quite low compared to other countries at 168. By educating young Australians this aligns with the Sustainable development goal of good health and wellbeing.

Victoria Justification:

In Victoria there is an objective and funding to helping keep pregnant teens in school to complete their education. They are focusing more on the idea of supporting the teenager to keep their education going so they can see their full potential and being able to still get a job and succeed in the future. This helps eliminates the problems of poverty and depression in the young Australians facing teen pregnancy.

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Our group effectively used communication by creating a group chat on Messages. This way we were able to dedicate tasks, agree on picking various group activities, and check in on one another. This allowed us to have an overall understanding of the topic and group work assigned.

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Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2022). Australia's children. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/australias-children

Mann, L., Bateson, D., & Black, K. I. (2020, June). Teenage pregnancy. Australian Journal of General Practice, 49(6), 310–316. https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2020/june/teenage-pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy [Digital image]. © iStock. Retrieved from https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/teenage-pregnancy-gm119156877-13802703

United Nations (2025) Sustainable Development Goals. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals

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Our resource uses the Student Teaching and Learning motion. We are using our knowledge and creating a small activity for the class to participate in.

We will be teaching consent and safe sex to minimise the chance of pregnancy and making sure respectful relationships is taught.

In this activity each class member will stand along the wall of the classroom with a ball in the centre of the room of them all. Each class member will receive a scrunched up piece of paper and a straw and have to blow it towards the bigger ball - which represents the egg and sperm. They have been pre-written on and some are "safe" and some are not. It has an element of surprise at the end where each student can reveal their piece of paper, similar to the feeling that after sex, it can be a risk if they were not safe.

Consent will also be explained through having to ask one of the peers that is sitting in the middle. They can chose yes or no, changing between each person, adding to the surprise as some people have all different scrunched up pieces of paper.

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1. Have a teacher speak to the students individually to check in with how they are going with the task and how they feel about the sensitive subject to encourage commitment of completing class activities – Commitment

2. By placing kids in groups and giving them a practice baby doll to take care of, they then have to create a presentation that documents their experience practising taking care of the child. - Commitment and Leadership

3. Have each kid draw a face on an egg and the child who keeps their egg in tact and safest for the longest gets a prize. - Commitment

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1. Telling kids to stand in a circle, joining the circle, you ask the student next to you if it is ok to high five them, then tell the class to go around in a circle high fiving but making sure that they ask first, then go around the other way and have each student say no to asking for a high five, teaching them that it is ok to say no. This will encourage the kids to be more comfortable with one another in their environment.

2. Place vibrant posters around the classroom that represent consent and also ones that encourage students to speak up, which is especially important when it can be hard for students to talk about sensitive topics or their own personal situations, such as "no means no" or "speak up"

3. Creating a box of fidget toys into the class in case some students feel uncomfortable; this will help them focus more on the tasks.

4. placing a questions box in the classroom so students can ask anonymous questions without feeling pressure from other students

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1. Teaching children the idea that they need to be respectful about other peers gender, culture or sexuality through role play.

2. Have guest speakers from all different backgrounds come in to teach children all the differences that are apart of sex education. This will help them be considerate and knowledgable of others.

3. Students could create some posters that talk about themselves and their backgrounds and have them on display in classrooms for other students to read about.

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1. Having students write down all of their goals and values they have so they can make sure to focus on themselves and learn about self love. They can to keep in their pencil cases so they are always reminded. This can help students express themselves and make their own choices.

2. Creating a safe environment for students to be able to ask questions in confidentiality or sort our problems they may have.

3. Visiting different museums and galleries with artworks and pieces from different backgrounds.

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Ensuring that staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills to teach such classes. Being able to educate while creating a safe environment where kids are able to satisfy their curiosity to learn about the changes happening to them as well as understanding that they are not alone.

Implementing ideas that will help students feel comfortable and safe. Having counsellors and people they can go to when they feel unsure or unsafe.

Having a policy and rules that teachers must follow depending on the age group so that kids are not exposed to sensitive information that are too explicit at young ages.

Ensuring that staff respect students and do not force them to stay in the classroom if they feel uncomfortable.

LGBTQIA+ awareness- Ensuring that the school knows of sexual orientation, respect pronouns and treat students equally.

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Ensuring that students are aware of and are able to access websites and helplines that are available to the community whether it be because they have questions or concerns regarding sexual health.

We should partner with relevant organisations in to assist us in this department. This also includes hiring professionals the students can go to.

We include families and wider community in sexual health and wellbeing initiatives.

We provide sexual health, gender and sexuality information to families and the wider community.

We inform parents of their child's concerns (mandatory reports) to ensure the student feels safe at home and parents are also kept well informed.

Making sure that parent-teacher conferences are compulsory. Student should never be forced to come but can chose to if they feel like they need to do so.

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Mystery ball

Materials:

Paper balls

Pens

Larger Ball

Straws

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As of 2019, adolescents aged 15–19 years in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) had an estimated 21 million pregnancies each year, of which approximately 50% were unintended and which resulted in an estimated 12 million births (1,2).

World Health Organization. (2024, April 10). Adolescent pregnancy [Fact sheet]. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-pregnancy

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Male Condoms- 98% - 4 times

Female Condoms- 95%- 3 times

Pulling out- 80%- 2 times

Pill-99% - 5 times

morning after pill-85%

IUD- 99% - 5 times

Nutting- 25% - 1 times

Contraceptive Implant- 99%- 5 times

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health Direct. (June 2023). Contraceptive options. [webpage].

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/contraception-options

H. Orenstein. (February 2017). Seventeen, How to Put on a Condom, As Illustrated By A Rly Cute Banana.

https://www.seventeen.com/health/sex-health/a43165/how-to-put-on-a-condom/

Mann, L., Bateson, D., & Black, K. I. (2020, June). Teenage pregnancy. Australian Journal of General Practice, 49(6), 310–316. https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2020/june/teenage-pregnancy

Nhs. (January 2024). How well contraception works at preventing pregnancy. Webpage

https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/choosing-contraception/how-well-it-works- A At-preventing-pregnancy/

World Health Organization. (2024, April 10). Adolescent pregnancy [Fact sheet].

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-pregnancy