But a national survey of 15-29 year olds shows that sexual education across Australian schools ranges from no sexual education or minimal classes focusing on the dangers of sexual activity, to comprehensive lessons on the benefits, as well as the risks, of sexual relationships.

Research shows that less than half of sexually active school students report always using a condom during sex. But, the national survey said, condom use was declining and although young people account for 75 per cent of sexually transmitted infections, just 10 per cent of young people thought they were at risk of contracting an STI or AIDs.

The report was conducted by the Youth Empowerment Against HIV/AIDS (YEAH), and the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC), who say the findings lay bare the need for sex education to be included in the national curriculum.

Young people were only marginally more likely to get their information about sex from school (69 per cent) than from pornography (64 per cent), but they told researchers the most important things missing from their sexual education were learning about sex and pleasure, and learning about sexuality, including diverse sexualities. There is no nationally consistent approach to sexual education.

But there was a clear appetite for better sexual education among young people, with more than 80 per cent supporting sex education being standardised across the country.

''Basic sex and sexual health education in Australian schools is inconsistent and encumbered by different curriculum guidelines across states and territories,'' the report said.

This is further amplified by the variety of teaching, ethical and religious frameworks set across government, private and faith-based schools.''

AYAC's deputy director (young people), Maia Giordana, said with the federal government rolling out national curriculum subject areas, the time was right for reform.

''In some schools it's being taught really comprehensively, and in other schools it's not really happening at all,'' Ms Giordana said.

A spokeswoman for Education Minister Peter Garrett said the government had included sexual education in the draft national curriculum, with primary school students being prepared for puberty, and secondary students to be taught mental health, sexual health, healthy eating, personal safety, body image and behaviours associated with substance use.

The curriculum is due to be approved next year.