How to Avoid Laughing During Health Classes Involving Sex

Sex-ed classes can lead to laughing fits, but laughing during class might get you in trouble. To avoid laughing, prepare for class, talk to other people about how they avoid laughing, think about ways to distract yourself, and make a plan in case you do need to laugh.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Preparing Yourself

1
Read ahead. Things are always funniest when you hear or see them the first time. Prepare yourself for classes about sex or puberty by looking at the textbook and materials in advance. Get any information you can about what the class will be about. Talk to older students who have taken the class and find out what information will be presented.
- Review as much information as you can ahead of time.
- Ask the older students about the type of language the teacher will use. This way you’ll be ready to hear it.
- Look up any unfamiliar words so you are prepared when ideas or vocabulary are presented.
2
Get ready for visuals. Look at any books on reproduction or puberty that have pictures so you aren’t surprised or embarrassed if you see them in class. Do an internet search to learn how other teachers use visual aids in the classroom. Look at websites that are from teacher’s organizations, universities, your state department of education and other school districts in your state for this information.
- Consult with older students about the films and pictures you might see in class.
3
Make a pact with your friends. Talk to your friends who take health class with you. Let them know you’re nervous about laughing. Agree not to look at each other in class or pass notes. Think about a plan to distract the teacher with a question in case one feels like laughing.
- Plan a question that won’t embarrass you, like about any homework or what the next topic will be in class.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Getting Advice

When you talk to kids who have been in the class, make sure to ask them how they avoided laughing. Ask older siblings or cousins how they handled classes about sex ed and puberty. Practice their techniques so you’re ready in case you’re tempted to laugh in class.
If you’re comfortable approaching your teacher, tell them that you’re afraid you might laugh during class. Tell them that you have nervous laughter. Apologize in advance for potentially laughing. Teachers know this is embarrassing and might already have a plan to help students deal with being nervous during discussions about sex.^{[1]XResearch source}
Ask your parents, coaches, or other adults about how they cope with nervous laughter. Find out how they stop themselves from laughing at inappropriate times. Ask them to recommend how you can stop yourself from laughing. Practice their suggestions before class.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Avoiding Potential Triggers

Make sure you don’t look at other students in case one of them starts laughing. Keep your focus down on your notebook or on the teacher. You won’t be as tempted to join in on the laughter. Try to avoid making eye contact because laughter is contagious.^{[2]XResearch source}
2
Don’t sit with your friends. Try to sit by yourself. You’re more likely to laugh when you’re around your friends. Explain to your friends that you’re worried about sitting with them because you’re afraid you might start laughing when you sit together.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Don't get lured into other people's conversations. You might hear something funny that will make you want to laugh.
Doodle so you can look down at your notebook rather than at the teacher if you think that watching your teacher talking about sex or showing diagrams might make you laugh. If you don’t like doodling, take good notes. You can also make yourself notes for another class or a checklist of things to do. Don’t worry about not learning the material because doodling and taking notes will actually help you focus on the material better. ^{[4]XResearch source}
4
Think about unpleasant things. Avoid laughing by thinking about something unpleasant. Distract yourself by thinking about your homework or any upcoming tests. If this doesn’t work, think about something that really upsets you.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Make a list of unpleasant topics in advance to make it easier to think about them during class.
Try to contain your laughter. Do your best to hold it in. Don’t try speaking in case opening your mouth to talk makes you laugh.
Ask to go to the water fountain or bathroom if you really need to laugh. Laugh once you’re outside of class. Wait a bit and calm down before you go back to class.