Comprehensive sexual education covers a range of important topics, according to Ee-Lin Chang, Manager of Health Promotion at Family Planning Australia.
"It's not just about sex and STIs and contraception. It's about consent, and making an informed choice, and understanding what that looks like," she said.
But she acknowledged parents might have concerns about what their children are being taught.
"There's a variety of concerns common amongst parents from all different backgrounds," Ms Chang told SBS Examines.
"For example, is this type of education going to make my child go and have sex?"
Ms Chang said sexuality education should be tailored for students, covering sensitive subjects in a culturally and age-appropriate way — but information shouldn't be withheld.
"It's about being able to adapt it to the needs of the audience and recognising that for each individual, their culture and religious background will be part of their views."
Sex ed in Australia is “hit and miss” according to Dr David Rhodes, senior lecturer in the School of Education at Edith Cowan University.
He says the curriculum is ambiguous and open to interpretation.
"We're not teaching all students or young people in Australia the same things, and we're not giving them access to the same materials and information," Dr Rhodes said.
He added that young people will look elsewhere if they have unanswered questions about sex and sexuality, and may turn to inappropriate sources like porn sites or chat rooms.
Despite the taboo around talking to young people about sex, he says comprehensive sexuality education is vital.
"These lessons are pivotal to a person's identity and having healthy relationships ... we need to cater to the needs of the children that are in our care."
This episode of SBS Examines explores sex education in Australia.
