Gender Perspective on Physical and Sexuality Education among High School Students in the Seoul Capital Area of South Korea

This study attempted to examine the awareness of and attitudes toward gender-sensitive physical and sexuality education, as well as these programs’ effectiveness, among high school students. For this purpose, we conducted a survey of 1,057 students in the Seoul capital area (Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province region). This study found that whether and to what degree gender sensitivity was reflected in the operation of physical education classes can affect female students’ attitudes towards exercise, and ultimately lowered the impact of the classes on health/physical fitness and the pleasure of exercising. Indeed, knowledge of and attitudes toward sex were highly correlated with the effectiveness of sexuality education, and knowledge about sex was a significant factor in determining related attitudes. In order to promote female students’ health and their participation in physical education classes, we recommended the development of new sports and games that are customized to better meeting their needs. We also confirmed that adolescents’ knowledge and attitudes toward sex played a significant role in them not only recognizing biological differences by gender and enhancing sexual consciousness, but also respecting their own and others’ sexuality. Therefore, we suggest that gender-sensitive sexuality education should be implemented.