FairGo Policy
Comprehensive Sexuality Education(CSE): Parental Choice,Age Appropriateness, andBiological Truth
Introduction
In South Australia, increasing numbers of families are voicing concerns about Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and related programs, such as Respectful Relationships and Keeping Children Safe, in schools. Many feel these programs undermine parental values, exclude families from decisions, and erode trust in public education, driving a surge in homeschooling and private school enrolments.
The Problem
Education is not simply about transferring knowledge; it is also about transmitting values. In South Australia, and across the nation, increasing numbers of families are voicing concerns about the way Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and related programs—particularly Respectful Relationships and Keeping Children Safe—are being taught in schools.
Many families argue these programs do not reflect their values, their beliefs, or their expectations about what is appropriate for their children. Rather than supporting parents in their primary role as carers and educators, these programs are perceived as undermining that role, resulting in a breakdown of trust between families and the state education system.
We generally support the findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and in particular:
Recommendation 6.4
All institutions should uphold the rights of the child. Consistent with Article 3 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, all institutions should act with the best interests of the child as a primary consideration. In order to achieve this, institutions should implement the Child Safe Standards identified by the Royal Commission.
Recommendation 6.5
3. Families and communities are informed and involved
Standard 3: Families and communities are informed and involved
a. Families have the primary responsibility for the upbringing and development of their child and participate in decisions affecting their child.
b. The institution engages in open, two-way communication with families and communities about its child safety approach and relevant information is accessible.
c. Families and communities have a say in the institution’s policies and practices.
d. Families and communities are informed about the institution’s operations and governance.
Despite the findings of the Royal Commission, many parents feel excluded from decisions about what and how their children are taught in relation to sexuality, relationships, and personal safety. This exclusion has led to real consequences: withdrawal of children from public schools, a surge in homeschooling, and strong growth in independent and faith-based schooling.
Rising Exit from Public Schools
- Curriculum and Cultural Concerns
Parents increasingly report that public schools are becoming too politicised or ideologically driven. Areas of tension include:- Gender and sexuality education
- Cultural diversity and inclusion programs
- Social justice activism presented as education
These issues raise concerns about schools prioritising ideology over education, alienating families who hold different beliefs.
- Faith-Based Preference
A significant number of families are deliberately moving their children to religious schools because they want an environment that reflects their beliefs and values. These parents seek a learning space that aligns with their moral framework, especially during the sensitive adolescent years. - Homeschooling Growth
The sharp rise in homeschooling demonstrates that many families see disengagement from the public system as their only option.- In South Australia, registered homeschool students rose from ~1,360 in 2019 to ~2,593 in 2023—almost doubling in just four years.
- Nationally, homeschooling rates more than doubled after 2020.
- Independent and Private School Growth
Families are voting with their feet. Between 2020 and 2024:- Independent school enrolments grew by 18.5%, compared with only 1% growth in government schools.
- Independent schools rose from 600,000 students (15% of enrolments) in 2020 to nearly 700,000 students (16.8%) in 2024.
- Catholic schools held steady, serving around 20% of students.
The trend is clear: government schools are losing ground. Families are seeking choice, values alignment, and a greater voice in their children’s education.
The Solution
To restore trust in public education and ensure schools reflect both community standards and parental rights, the following reforms are proposed:
- Parental Choice and Opt-Out Rights
CSE programs, including Respectful Relationships and Keeping Children Safe, must not be compulsory. Parents must have the legal right to withdraw their children from any CSE lesson or activity. Alternative lessons must be provided so children are not penalised for non-participation. - Age Appropriateness and Biological Truth
All content must be grounded in scientific, biological reality rather than contested ideological concepts. CSE must be taught at an age-appropriate level that recognises children’s developmental stages. A “whole school” approach should be avoided for CSE, reserving sensitive material for tailored lessons with parental knowledge and consent. - Parental Oversight and Governance
School governing councils/boards must establish parent committees to review and approve all CSE teaching and student resources. Transparency is essential: parents should have full access to the materials and curriculum in advance. No CSE resource should be taught without parental oversight and approval at the school level. - Delivery by Qualified Teachers, Not Third Parties
All CSE content must be delivered by the school’s registered teachers. Third-party providers are prohibited from teaching CSE in schools, ensuring accountability and safeguarding against inappropriate content. Teachers must be trained to deliver content in a respectful, factual, and neutral manner.
Why This Works
- Reinforcing the Role of Parents
Parents know their children best. This policy restores their authority to determine when and how their children are introduced to sensitive issues. By respecting parental rights, schools strengthen their relationship with families. - Removing Inappropriate Content Risks
Cases where inappropriate or distressing material has been introduced—such as references to sexual violence, incest, or bestiality—have caused distress and eroded trust. Ensuring parent committees oversee all resources eliminates this risk. - Ending Ideological Divides
CSE should not be a platform for political or ideological battles. By focusing on biological truth and developmental readiness, schools can deliver factual education without alienating families. - Improving Transparency and Accountability
With governance committees approving all resources and lessons taught by school staff, parents will know exactly what their children are learning. This reduces suspicion, misunderstanding, and conflict. - Supporting Public Education Sustainability
Families are leaving public schools at an unprecedented rate. By restoring confidence, this policy will help retain enrolments, which in turn supports funding stability, diverse communities, and educational equality.
Expected Outcomes
This policy aims to deliver the following outcomes:
- Restoration of Trust in Public Schools
Families will no longer feel alienated by compulsory programs that contradict their values. Schools will once again be seen as safe, neutral spaces for education. - Empowerment of Parents and Families
Parents will be recognised as the primary educators of their children in matters of sex, sexuality, and relationships. Their right to make decisions consistent with their values will be upheld. - Age-Appropriate, Scientifically Accurate Education
Children will be taught biological truth at the right time for their development, reducing confusion and protecting childhood innocence. - Transparency and Accountability in Curriculum
Parents will have visibility of all CSE content, ensuring nothing is introduced without their knowledge and consent. - A Stronger Public Education System
By addressing the reasons families are leaving, this policy will help stabilise public school enrolments, slowing the shift to private and homeschooling.
South Australia’s education system is facing a trust crisis. Families are walking away from public schools, homeschooling is rising rapidly, and private schools are growing faster than ever. The common denominator is that parents feel sidelined, ignored, or opposed in their values—particularly in relation to Comprehensive Sexuality Education.
This policy is designed to bring families back into partnership with schools. By making CSE optional, ensuring it is age-appropriate and biologically grounded, banning third-party delivery, and embedding parental oversight, we restore trust, transparency, and respect.
The ultimate aim is not to diminish education but to strengthen it—by ensuring that it respects the family, reflects community standards, and delivers truth in a way children are ready to receive. Public education must be a place where every family feels their children are safe, respected, and supported.