Sex, Ethics and Alcohol: Can They Mix?

This lesson is an exploration of the complex intersection of alcohol and sexual activity in the lives of young people. 

Learning intentions:

  • Understand an ethical approach to sexual decision making
  • Articulate the “Sunlight Test” and how that can be applied to sexual decision making
  • Consider the impact of alcohol on sexual behaviour

Digital Educator: Charlie

  • 12-30 learners

    Class size
  • 10+

    Year Level
  • 45-60 minutes

    Course duration
  • One

    Student Handouts

    Preparing for the lesson

    Information
    Resources

    ACHPE Objectives

    UNESCO Objectives

    Safety & Wellbeing

    Sequence
    Extension
    In this Sex, Ethics & Alcohol: Can They Mix? lesson, students will develop their understanding of consent and decision making. 

    The lesson is based on the Sexual Ethics Framework by Moira Carmody. Students will begin by exploring the elements of this framework. Following the knowledge-building segment, they will apply the framework and its questions to a series of real world scenarios to decide how ethical the actions are. Students will engage in a collaborative small group discussion to share insights and delve into the reasons behind ethics and their application to intoxication and sexual activity. 

    Each lesson ends with a consolidation activity, inviting students to list 1 thing they have learnt from the lesson, 1 thing they already knew, 1 piece of advice they would share with a friend, and 1 adult or organisation that would be helpful in relation to the lesson topic.  

    Student Printouts

    Additional Student Resources

    AC9HP10P04: Evaluate the influence of respect, empathy, power and coercion on establishing and maintaining respectful relationships. 
    • Investigating the characteristics of positive, respectful relationships and the rights and ethical responsibilities of individuals in relationships.  


    AC9HP10P07:
    Examine how strategies, such as communicating choices, seeking, giving and denying consent, and expressing opinions and needs can support the development of respectful relationships, including sexual relationships. 
    • Reflecting on the potential impact of their own behaviour on others and the importance of taking responsibility for their own actions to ensure they do not harm others.


    AC9HP10P08:
    Plan, rehearse and evaluate strategies for managing situations where their own or others’ health, safety or wellbeing may be at risk.
    • Understanding the factors that impact a person’s ability to seek, give or deny consent, including when there is an imbalance of power or coercion in the relationship.
    Key Concept 1: Relationships 1.2 Friendship, Love and Romantic Relationships
    • Key idea: There are healthy and unhealthy sexual relationships.


    Key Concept 2: Values, Rights, Culture and Sexuality 
    2.1 Values and Sexuality
    • Key idea: It is important to know one’s own values, beliefs and attitudes, how they impact on the rights of others and how to stand up for them



    Key Concept 5: Skills for Health and Wellbeing 
    5.1 Norms and Peer Influences on Behaviour
    • Key idea: Social and gender norms and peer influence can affect sexual decision-making and behaviour.
    • This lesson plan involves students examining examples of unethical behaviour, which in some circumstances represents a form of sexual assault. Students of all genders may find this content confronting and uncomfortable.
    • It is important that students are given the opportunity to observe activities or to leave the classroom at any time.
    • For some students, learning that their experiences and/or behaviour has been unethical (and potentially harmful and illegal) can be challenging and others will feel empowered. Ensure you are familiar with your reporting obligations under local legislation and your school policy and procedures. Remind students that if they are feeling unsafe at any point during this activity, to leave the learning space and seek support from wellbeing staff at your school. 
    1. Students can devise their own ethical frameworks that include questions or decision making tools.
    2. Students can research the impacts of alcohol on decision making to produce assessment pieces. 
    Ideally, you will have scope to deliver all of the lessons in your program. However we understand that many schools have limited capacity to do so. Should you find yourself having to implement part of this program, we have provided a suggested sequence of lessons within the broader skills and knowledge categories of relationship, consent, gender, and health & legal literacy. We recommend delivering at least one lesson from each category.

    1. Group Agreements & Pod Mapping should be the first lesson as per best practice.
    2. Sex, Ethics & Alcohol: Can They Mix? is better delivered later in the program when students are more familiar with the Respect Collective curriculum.