Health topics are intrinsically connected to students’ personal values, perspectives, identities, and beliefs. As such, teaching students about health issues provides unique opportunities and challenges for educators. It is important to protect and promote the self-respect and well-being of all students. To do so, educators must ensure that diversity is valued and that all individuals feel safe, included, and accepted in their classrooms. Students of all body shapes and sizes, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and ethno-cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds must feel accepted, comfortable, and free from harassment at all times. They should be given consistent opportunities to express their opinions and ideas without shame or embarrassment. By doing so, educators foster and maintain a respectful classroom environment in which all students can learn.
