Birth control, also referred to as contraception, are ways for both sexual partners to prevent unplanned pregnancy. There are many kinds of birth control such as abstinence (e.g. holding off on sexual contact), hormonal methods (e.g. pills or other medications), and non-hormonal options (e.g. condoms).
Why is birth control important?
Educating young people with information about sexual health and birth control is critical for:
- Making informed decisions about personal sexual health now and in the future
- Prevention of unplanned pregnancy
- Understanding all benefits of abstinence and birth control methods, including protection from sexually transmitted and blood born infections (STBBIs)
- Understanding the benefits of delaying first sexual experience
Locally, the rate of teen pregnancies (per 1,000 females between ages 15-19 years) in Windsor-Essex was 6.8 in 2020. This is much higher than Ontario’s rate of 4.8. It’s important to educate children and youth about their bodies, healthy relationships and eventually sexuality.
What can schools, parents and students do to promote sexual health and pregnancy prevention?
Below you will find educational and community resources for educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Educator resources are organized using the Ministry of Education’s Foundations for a Healthy School framework. A healthy school is created when schools, school boards, parents, and community partners work together to build school environments that promote and support student well-being.
Resources & Information for:
Background Resources
- Tips for Delivering Human Development & Sexual Health Information to Students (French)– The WECHU
Grades K-12
General information to support effective teaching of sexual health education. - Sex Information and Education Council of Canada - SIECCAN
Grades K-12
Access to resources and guidance through the Promising Practices Portal to assist educators in providing evidence-based sexual health education. - Teachers Talk Sex Ed: Practical Approaches to Implementation (Recorded Webinar) (French) - Ophea
Listen to experienced educators implement sexual health curriculum in the classroom and how they respond to gender identity and sexual orientation scenarios. Focuses on consent using instructional strategies and practical approaches.
Lessons and Activities
- Contraception (French)- Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)
Access the SOGC resource library for accurate information about contraception, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), testing/screening, and quick activities including quizzes, myths versus facts, name the image and connect the dots. - Teachingsexualhealth.ca – Alberta Health Services
Grades 4-12
Teacher and parent portals providing evidence-based sexual health information, lesson plans, tools, and resources including Kahoot activities. Please note this is an Alberta hosted site and curriculum strands may differ in Ontario. Search for resources by grade or topic. Also available in French provided you filter the request. - Contraception (French) – Ophea
Grades 7-8
Find lesson plans and resources regarding contraception, STBBI prevention, relationships, consent, and more. Must create a free account to access resources. - Jeopardy Game – The WECHU
Grades 7-9
An interactive game that supports learning in a fun way with a focus on sexual health and relationships. This resource includes a supportive Facilitator’s Guide and is also available in French. - Birth Control Education Lending Kit – The WECHU
Grades 7-12
The kit includes hormonal and non-hormonal birth control method samples, barrier method samples, a birth control option fact sheet, and links to additional resources.
Contact your assigned School Nurse to reserve a kit. If you’re not sure who your school nurse is, contact the WECHU Healthy Schools Helpline at 519-258-2146, ext. 1555, or email csh@wechu.org.
- Healthy Schools Certification – Ophea
Gives your school the tools to promote and enhance the health and well-being of students, school staff, and the broader school community. Contact your school nurse or send an email to csh@wechu.org to find out more about supporting your school in achieving a Healthy Schools Certification.
- World Contraception Day - (WCD)
September 26th
The WCD’s mission is to improve awareness of contraception and to enable young people to make informed choices on their sexual and reproductive health. - Campaigns - Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights
Action Canada offers a number of campaigns that promote sexual and reproductive health and personal rights in Canada and globally.
- Ideas for Action – Ophea
Grades 1-12
Activity-based resources to promote health and well-being on various topics, including growth and development. Resources focus on activities connected to school, community, and self.
- 211 South West Region Ontario
Information on local supports for youth, access to contraceptives, and more. Can also call 2-1-1 directly to get help finding local agencies that support youth. - Windsor-Essex Youth Services Card
A list of various youth services in our community, and referral support. - Pozitive Pathways
Provides local support, advocacy, harm reduction, health promotion and education services for people living with, affected by, or at risk of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted blood-borne infections.
Support in the Community
- 211 South West Region Ontario
Information on local supports for youth, access to contraceptives, and more. Can also call 2-1-1 directly to get help finding local agencies that support youth. - Sexual Health Services in Windsor-Essex – The WECHU
Where to access free condoms and STBBI testing in the community. - Windsor-Essex Youth Services Card
A list of various youth services in our community, and referral support. - weCHC- Teen Health
Local health services for ages 12 to 24 years for medical care (including sexual health), counselling, groups, e-library, support for those affected by eating disorders or substance use problems. - Sexualhealthontario
Information provided in English and French regarding sexually transmitted infections to contraception and fertility. Live chat is offered at certain times, plus support to find a clinic for testing, treatment, and counselling.
Additional Resources and Support
- Sex Positive Parenting (French) - Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights
Support for parents on how to have important, age-appropriate conversations through childhood, adolescence and adulthood around the body, relationships and sexuality.
- World Contraception Day - (WCD)
September 26th
The WCD’s mission is to improve awareness of contraception and to enable young people to make informed choices on their sexual and reproductive health. - Campaigns - Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights
Action Canada offers a number of campaigns that promote sexual and reproductive health and rights in Canada and globally.
- Sexual Health Services in Windsor-Essex – The WECHU
Where to access free condoms and STBBI testing in the community. - 211 South West Region Ontario
Find more information on supports for youth, access to contraceptives, and more. Can also call 2-1-1 directly to get help finding local agencies that support youth. - Windsor-Essex Youth Services Card
A list of various youth services in our community, and referral support. - weCHC- Teen Health
Local health services for ages 12 to 24 years for medical care (including sexual health), counselling, groups, e-library, support for those affected by eating disorders or substance use problems. - Youth Wellness Hub
Free services for youth ages 12-25, including counselling, addictions support, primary care, and drop-in activities. Visit the website for a complete list of services.
Additional Resources and Support
- Kids Help Phone Line - English
Kids Help Phone Line - French
A resource offering support and counselling via text, messenger, or phone available by calling 1-800-668-6868 or TEXT 686868. Access the webpage for information about birth control, relationships, sexual health, and more; reach out if you need to chat with a trained volunteer.