Sex education is not compulsory in all European countries. In fact, the subject continues to generate controversy in some EU Member States; in Poland, for example, there has been a political backlash against the teaching of sex education in schools, with Amnesty International recently accusing the Polish government of “putting young people at risk” with “recklessly retrogressive laws” that could see teachers jailed for up to three years if they teach sex education to under-18s.
Instead, Polish educators are encouraged to teach preparation for “family life”. Clearly, there is disagreement about the lessons young people should be learning when it comes to sex. In fact, many organisations now prefer the term “sexuality education” to sex education. They argue that sexuality is much broader than just the biological facts, covering a range of topics including relationships, communication about sexuality and sexual health, valuing one’s body, and having understanding and respect for different sexual orientations and gender identities.
Attempts have been made to promote a common approach to teaching sex (or “sexuality”) education. For example, the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe – in cooperation with several other organisations – has developed a framework of Standards for Sexuality Education in Europe, providing “age-appropriate and evidence-informed suggestions for sexuality education”. These are not, however, mandatory guidelines, and it is entirely the responsibility of individual countries to set curricula and enforce standards.
What do our readers think? We had a comment come in from Sophia, who thinks sex education should be mandatory in every classroom in Europe.
To get a reaction, we put Sophia’s comment to Amelia Jenkinson, director and co-founder of Sexplain, a UK-based organisation offering sex education workshops in schools. What would she say?
I fully agree with Sophia, sex education should be compulsory in schools. Here in the UK, teaching sex education will only be mandatory from September 2020, which was not the case previously. We can see the effects [of not teaching sex education] in classrooms: there are fundamental gaps in knowledge among 11- to-18-year-olds about their bodies, sexuality, gender, consent and healthy relationships – knowledge which helps determine physical and emotional well-being. Our organisation offers inclusive and understandable workshops at schools so that the young people feel better in their bodies and emotionally. In addition, they should also critically question their attitudes so that we all campaign for greater equality.
For another perspective, we also spoke to Nino Berdzuli, Programme Manager for Sexual and Reproductive, Maternal and Newborn Health at the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Europe. What would she say to Sophia?
Very good question, Sophia. First of all, I think Sophia was referring to sexuality education in schools. Sex education is mostly related to a biological function, but we are talking more broadly about sexuality education, which also involves relationships and personal feelings, individual and societal values. I would say that formalised sexuality education is very important and has become even more important because of the rapid spread of social media, the Internet, mobile phone technology which brings enormous positive and educational potential, but it is of concern given the risks of access to online pornography that has come with it. All these developments have triggered the need for good quality sexuality education. Formalised sexuality education will enable young people to deal with their sexuality in a safe and satisfactory manner.
Formalised, mandatory sexuality education in school is important, first of all, to reach most children and young people, and to provide them with the evidence-based information. With the proper training and staffing in schools, these can be very safe spaces and learning environments for the discussions on sexuality, and teachers and schools can become skilled and trusted sources of information. We support formalised and mandatory sexuality education. But, of course, I have to say that children and young people need both formal and informal sexuality education, and these two should not be opposed, they complement one another.
Next up, reader James argues that, as well as schools, parents should also play an important role when it comes to sex education. Would Amelia Jenkinson agree with him?
However, not all parents feel comfortable taking on the topic of sex education. It is also unlikely that parents are qualified to be able to respond well to all issues raised, so we risk putting too much responsibility onto parents. Plus, there are also many young people who refuse to have this sort of conversation with their parents. You may prefer to speak to a neutral person outside the home. When it comes to having such conversations at home, that’s fantastic, but you also have to realise that it won’t always be possible.
Should sex education be compulsory in all schools? What role should parents play? Let us know your thoughts and comments in the form below and we’ll take them to policymakers and experts for their reactions!
195 comments Post a commentcomment
if you think that the only source of sex education is the porn sites it is better to educate the young students in a school in the right and professional way.
Nobody belives a teacher…
you must have had terrible teachers in your youth. Are you traumatised in any way?
no… I am a teacher!
Yes it should. If schools don’t give the right infos no one will. I don’t understand who says “if you teach them you push them into it”… they’ll do what they want eventually, they’ll just know what they’re getting into.
Yes
Yes in a suitable way
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Absolutely
Yes of course. Kids need to be educated with the right facts and information. This is particularly important nowadays, when most have unsupervised access to the internet.
Notwithstanding, schools curricula need to be stronger in subjects like civics, tech, and personal development related skills.
Children in the West are being sexualised in many ways from what they see in public life, mostly sexualised in wrong ways, while society sits back ant watches powerless. Maybe a sexualisation of kids in schools ” for good purposes ” can be positive in its complex, now that we are in such an advanced stage all things considered, as terrible as it might sound. ..BUT: let’s not call the whole thing “a great achievement of the western society”. Let’s not be so dumb and pathetic, ok
I think it’s quite importante to make a distinction. I may be incorrect but I assume that when we talk about sex education we are talking about educating about human sexuality. Human sexuality is not “sex”. That’s a very narrow scope and does not encapsule the complexity of the human experience. We are talking about teaching kids about human growth: biological, psychological, and social. It’s about feelings, how we relate with ourselves, the Other and the world. It’s about teaching how we all relate to each other, how families may take many different configurations, about the human reproductive system, dating, sex, safe sex, STI’, pregnancy, contraceptive tools, menstruation, the pill, and even pleasure. Obviously, all the different themes are not explored in all ages and with the same type of depth and complexity. I’m quite confident that our Teachers and Pedagogues know how to adjust the message to cater to each audience.
I chose my words carefully but thank you for clarifying what the meaning of each word and concept is, so that there is no misunderstanding. Still, I used the word sexualize, and not sex – not the same thing! Question: how can you say that sexual education does not sexualize children? It may not be its main goal, all right. But how about being one of its important effects? Can you deny that?
I believe it’s a non-issue, in the sense that we are all sexual beings and our sexual development starts early on; one could argue as early as we can discern sensations and attribute qualitative weight to it. Again, the scope needs the be broadened. To deny it is to somehow position it outside of normal human development. I personally don’t think sex-Ed sexualize kids. Porn does that I believe and more. Sex-Ed should give them the right information but also create the space to discuss collectively about the importance of deciding when each one is ready to embark on that journey, without being pressured to do so, by peers or boyfriends/girlfriends, giving it the importance and seriousness that it deserves. Again, the curriculum for each age group has to be different and adequate to its respective audience. Earlier ages will most likely focus on relational aspects, biological information. As they progress in age, sex contraceptives, relationship themes and such should have more focus. After all Education’s aim is to prepare kids to become adults.
No, I don,t think teachers are sensible enough to teach such a delicat matter.
This is your banana’s. And This is how to do this.
YES!!! After providing training to specialized Sex Educators (who don’t have conflict with the idea of sex education – like priests for instance, some of which are teachers)
Definitely. By specialists, teachers aren’t qualified.
No, absolutely not
Regardless other source of obtaining such stuff, we should not encourage children or amateur into those stuff in young age, cause it’s just like drug, and worst, once you are there, you always there, if the children is learning this stuff from porn website it’s our duty to prevent them and let them concentrate on real life issue, assuring them that one day, in the right time, you will larn all you needs to, in the right way
Not pushing them into those stuff and label it “the better way”, and if you blaming kids for going to porno to watch such stuff, adults are also into, even those who study it in school, in fact the most one need porno is those who study it thiortcal, in order to see applicable and understand the topic, so even the nerd who don’t care for such stuff will transfer him into jerk thanks to this “school subject”
Sex ed is good and can prevent pregnancy/disease. Stop protecting kids and start explaining the bad/good in stuff.
yeah, definitely. Some of them will learn how to use a condom only after they get “POS” mark in the HIV test results. Do you really learn how to drive only after being in a car accident or what?
No thank you, we already witnessing the effect of those classes in western society and how the government beg for marriage and have kids instead of BG relationships that are just a result of those classes
such stupid example
You are not even allow to drive if you don’t have licence, and you are not allow to have license if you are underage
@Edmond
I second this. Plus, we need serious talk about consent, anatomy and pleasure.
f you don’t want sex then don’t have sex – simple no. But you have to let others decide but, how can they decide if they don’t know? Kids need to have a safe space free of weird porn where actors have 2m long dicks and behave poorly towards actresses that already came. They need to know how to protect themselves, what consent is, how to identify abuse, etc etc. Then they will be free to do what they want with those tools. I don’t think have kids or marriage are related to know more about oneself preferences and respect.
Are you arguing people should be kept ignorant so they can marry and have with the first person that appears? Would that relationship be stable would the parts involved be happy or satisfied? Would kids be loved? Or would it be a hell or relationship where people fight, are sexualy frustrated without even knowing? People without same needs and points of views and goals in life? Would the kids see these fights that come up from a relationship that shouldn’t be?
Then you say western societies well this is the West and, yes we have some cultural values. Nobody is forcing you to follow them so reciprocate and don’t force your points of view on anyone – especially kids.
that is where you are wrong kiddo you can get a licence to drive a car at 17 and a bike at 14.
I agree with you driving is different from sex. Because a car can cause huge issue to many people that had nothing to do with the driver or car – involves the public while sex is private – usually starts with self exploration and if it goes wrong is only the person exploring (in private) that gets the after math of a bad orgasm. Even in group sex people involved agree on being involved so…. Ok one of them didn’t get of and is grumpy or got a bruise due the position well
..
This person still agree on it. Didn’t just got rammed into the situation out of nothing like a carcrash. So what would be the problem to have a kid self exploring.
If you don’t like sex then don’t have sex. Also, calling people dumb for an argument without explaining is just lazy and/or arrogant.
oh, really? That’s actually the same situation with sex edu – at first you are tought to do it, and only then you do it
actually, thanks for proving my opinion. You just did it with your definitely not silly comment
children will not be children forever. They will learn anyway. It better not be the hard way.
really, no need to debate while some guy hallucinates about my friends who agreed to him. I say that sex edu is necessary because you can not safely do something if you do not have skills or xp to do it. It’s like… you can not shoot a gun when you don’t know how to
Yes!! Accused information providing them a base for their choices and actions. Teachers have to be trained to give this subject.
If is explicit.. yes.. please, bananas are cool to eat. Use your fingers to explain, while in fact.. sex is not what makes people understand what sex is.. and what problems are in cause.. Pain? Pleasure? Auto-Control ? … more than the act that even chicken know what to do
It should be provided by schools, but parents should have the final word. It’s better to have some education at school than none at home, but the home is the right place for that.
I disagree with this
, that’s fine. Let’s agree that sexual education is necessary, whether at home or at school. My point is, schools are no substitutes for parents, in this matter or in any other. But if parents are not up to it, the school should step in.
Most schools in the Nederlands do have standard sex education….(not sure whether this is part of compulsory education program)
Absolutely and it should include all aspects of relationships and sex, including gay and trans. Parents tend to project their own preferences and sexual interests and morals onto their children. Much better that children learn about these matters in a neutral environment like school, where they can think and learn without preconceived ideas of what is right and wrong being imposed upon them.
no
why not
?
First educate the parents, then the teachers, and afterwards the children. Mainly due to lack of education of the parents and teachers, as well as the inherent information bias, any mandatory education on sexuality will not suffice. I agree that it is of paramount importance to be introduced. We cannot keep letting our children be “educated” by porn sites and hearsay of their peers in such an important matter. It is an issue that will greatly affect their lives in general and their
future relationships
Yes! Good curriculum too.
I do think so…
No.
We need sex education for parents and adults not for children.
if you are 21 years old or older and you don’t know how to use a condom or why you should use it… it’s to late…
Children should know about how to stay healthy, avoid misfortunes and mental problems all connected with not getting the right information when they should καλύτερα να προλαμβάνεις παρά να κυνηγάς αργότερα τα ασυμμάζευτα
that’s why you start with parents before the child is even born.
I find it more difficult, adults don’t learn easily, I’m more of the opinion that I raise children to become proper adults and therefore parents
Yes provided the teacher is educated enough on how to bring up the subject up in class…this is a delicate matter but I believe around the ages between 10 and 12 is a good time to start teaching children about it just before adolescence.
Yes, absolutely. And I agree on the point of “sexuality” education. It is not enough to teach the basic mechanics and biology, but it’s necessary to talk about the mental, physchological and emotional aspects.
And here in Finland, when I was at school, we got basic biology of procreation at age 11, more elaborate sex ed at 13 and 14 and some also at 16 or 17. The sex ed part in early teens was given by an ngo. This could be a solution to what has been said in earlier comments. If we think the teachers aren’t able to deliver this kind of education, there are a lot of ngos that can do this too.
Ofcourse it should!!! Such a lesson could save future generations from the pain of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies
yep
At 15 seems the right time
Why not?
Isn’t it already?
Absolutely. This isn’t a matter to be questioned
yes I concur with u… but it must starts from the .
Yes, specialists should teach the children about it, but keep the gender propaganda away from the kids. When they grow up enough, they can choose by themselves.
Children in the West are being sexualised in many ways from what they see in public life, mostly sexualised in wrong ways, while society sits back ant watches powerless. Maybe a sexualisation of kids in schools ” for good purposes ” can be positive in its complex, now that we are in such an advanced stage all things considered, as terrible as it might sound. ..BUT: let’s not call the whole thing “a great achievement of the western society”. Let’s not be so pathetic, ok?
Yes ofc.
Yes, please!
But not only in biological terms, also in psychological and sociological terms.
Children in the West are being sexualised in many ways from what they see in public life, mostly sexualised in wrong ways, while society sits back ant watches powerless. Maybe a sexualisation of kids in schools ” for good purposes ” can be positive in its complex, now that we are in such an advanced stage all things considered, as terrible as it might sound. ..BUT: let’s not speak as if the whole thing “a great achievement of the western society”. Let’s not be so pathetic, ok?
So at what age did you start your sexual discoveries? When did you find out you had a penis?
Sex education is much more than sex. Now that’s pathetic!
Dio Nis pathetic is what happens in many places all over the world and at Europe in the ” good old days ” with people ending up with sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies/ forced marriages because no one had the balls to talk to them about few things when they was young
it is part of the culture children have to be informed about
what culture? Children in the West are being sexualised in many ways from what they see in public life, mostly sexualised in wrong ways, while society sits back ant watches powerless. Maybe a sexualisation of kids in schools ” for good purposes ” can be positive in its complex, now that we are in such an advanced stage all things considered, as terrible as it might sound. ..BUT: let’s not speak as if the whole thing “a great achievement of the western society”.
you are right but not children only we have much more problems in global live and we not trying to go for better than we have education not bad for children with fulk advised about
Should sex education be compulsory in every school?
ttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7490415/Children-young-SIX-given-compulsory-self-touching-lessons.html
https://faith-and-politics.com/2019/02/27/this-sexual-brainwashing-of-our-children-must-be-resisted/
There is far more to this than parents are allowed to know about. And the net appears to be wiped of a lot of it. Now why is that I wonder?
Yes, I believe that sex education should be compulsory in every school all around the world. Since children will discover about their sexuality and what their gender means to them as they enter puberty and reach adolescence, it is better for the young kids to be guided in the correct way about sex by educating them in schools. By learning about sexuality and our body functions as males and females, young people will be aware about important matters regarding sex like consent, knowledge about differences between male and female bodies, and knowing what a healthy relationship is with a partner of opposite sex is from a young age. Without sex education in schools, it is harder to teach people who are already young adults about sex when they already have their own understanding about sex which could be inappropriate ideas without formal teaching. So, it is better to have schools teach sex education to children from a young age so they enter their teenage lives sexually aware about themselves.
Yes, I believe that sex education should be compulsory in every school all around the world. Since children will discover about their sexuality and what their gender means to them as they enter puberty and reach adolescence, it is better for the young kids to be guided in the correct way about sex by educating them in schools. By learning about sexuality and our body functions as males and females, young people will be aware about important matters regarding sex like consent, knowledge about differences between male and female bodies, and knowing what a healthy relationship is with a partner of opposite sex is from a young age. Without sex education in schools, it is harder to teach people who are already young adults about sex when they already have their own understanding about sex which could be inappropriate ideas without formal teaching. So, it is certainly better to have schools teach sex education to children from a young age so they enter their teenage lives sexually aware about themselves.
Yes this is a good idea!
yes, otherwise the Internet will educate them. And if you do not know what that means, well… that is why you say no. And is not about sex, is about respect your boyfriend, learn to like yourself, get ride of myths, and yes, condoms and STD. You should see “sex education” on Netflix.
Of course, properly
Absolutely yes!!
Yes, absolutely.
My God is it the subject now… I think that it concern parents… Because school will give only technical information… But will not transfer philosophy or ethic or feelings…
Olivier, what about sexual harassment? In some countries there are certain practices that are common and that clearly can be labeled as sexual harassment. Actually everywhere.
Parents are not supposed to be experts on the topic, which is why an institution should make sure that everyone gets a proper education on the topic based on values of respect and equality. I really cannot believe that all households can guarantee that.
Yes, it should.
Yes, it should.
Absolutely!
Νο.
Αbsolutrly not.
Let the Porn Industry , educate the children.
Pornhub…
Youporn…
Etc…
We dont need teachers.
There is pornhub instead…
Yes I am cynical…
The question you set is stupid.
I think is parent’s responsibility to teach their kids not teachers.
It must!
Ha ha ha… check Netflix… today’s school ;)) !!
This should not even be a question. Yes, obviously.
Of course yes!
I think younglings should understand their bodies. If any group is against it, I would really love to understand the logic behind their stand on the subject.
It is part of biology so yes. However, I completely disagree showing two adults having sex through video to under age. In the States, this arouse instincts that children and adults are too young to handle.
Wrapped cucumbers should be forbidden.
Biology, by another name
Sex education is often not done by parents especially if they are conservative. If you don’t want your children to know about sex, then the system should let them know.
In 2020,asking this question in western societies is borderline offensive. Obviously there has to be education. How can you create a culture of sexual responsibility and awareness if you don’t educate?
We ain’t in the 15 hundreds anymore
The basic biology yes
Yes, without a doubt.
Of course, yes
Yes, definitely, and maybe after a couple of generation of sex ed, parents will vaccinate their children against HPV so they won’t suffer when they grow up. In Romania an entire generation of girls missed the vaccine because the lack of education. We were to small to give consent and our parents were disinformed by propaganda and even by the our authorities…There is nothing private in diseases. If you are not allowed to learn at school basic life saving information I guess school is kind of uselss.
Yes, for sure. With the LGBT awareness included
Beware of comments against education on something as basic common knowledge as sex education. It’s about hygiene, respect and responsability, not orgy training
I depends on way and the issues involved,,, the cucumber for example is giving out mixed message
If it’s a part of biology, why not teach it in biology class? Oh, right, because much of the WHO’s sex education program directly contradicts biological science.
Yes. Education, information, the real weapons against populism.
Is sex education also teaching children that they can be a man or a woman independently from their biology, just because they feel like it or because they are confused? And change sex at 12? It is happening allover the world . So under the guise of sex education horrors are being done to children! And there is a proper age for sex education. Ok to keep the strict biology part of it to be taught at school at proper ages and never before children are 12 years old, and keep everything else under the parents responsability.
Yes,yes yes yes yes yes !!!
hi are you interested in debate & discussion? :)
No you freaking morons idiots marxists! That’s private stuff, you morons! They have parents you idiots! I know.. you freaking morons marxists think that children are not of their parents but of the state, so state should have the authority over children what they learn, immoral intrusive perverts morons that you are. You see that’s exactly why the European Union project it is going to fail, because it became a marxist organization where you useful idiots from the center want more and more power, decision and control over the whole population of the EU. People are sick of you taking the power and responsibility from them and will say enough at some point, as UK said, you morons! You are the ones who are distroying the EU project !
Sex is very simply part of our biology .. why the rage? Some unresolved issues with sex maybe?
So you have a problem with same sex sex?
so you just read all that I wrote, haven’t understood anything but you are back asking stupid questions?
You see that’s exactly one of my problems with this crap, that idiots like you are fooled into thinking that the sex education Is only about biology and reproductive system. Did you ever checked the curriculum of the sexED programs? No you did not but you are here supporting this crap, that’s why you are an idiot. If would be about biology there would be no gender fluidity idea in their curriculum because the idea that gender is not sex and that sex is not binary is not BIOLOGICALLY TRUE, it’s just false scientifically. Then the idea that if you don’t fit your gender you can change it and become a transgender again it’s not a biological truth, science calls that actually gender identity disorder, which is a mental disorder. The whole sexED crap is postmodern indoctrination into LGBTQ narrative, so it is nothing about education and nothing about Biology. Sex as biological phenomenon is very simple and anyone can understand it in 10 minutes, you don’t need morons ideologues perverts to explain in, which by the way they are not trained as scientists in Biology ! They don’t know anything about biology or science in the first place. And in the end, sex is NOT only a biological phenomenon as you call it but also a psychological phenomenon with deep sociological consequences.
That’s why it is the responsibility of parents to talk with their kids about such a deep and personal subject and NOT OF A POST MODERN IDEOLOGUE stranger who does not have any sort of authentic connection or authority over those kids.
Delete, hide or report this
Not if it includes a Cucumber
Of course.
It not just sex, it also about love, respect, the meaning of “no”. And yes, school should have a role, otherwise the internet will educate our children and that is not a good thing…
Compulsory is antidemocratic. The progressists are potencial dictators of the political correctness.
Definitely. Some parents avoid such conversations with their kids which is the first and biggest mistake in my opinion. There is no pace for shame when it comes to communicating with your own child. However it will be good to have a discipline at school so youngsters to be more informed.
It depends what you want to “educate” the kids about. This reeks on LGTB agenda and nobody should have their kids being taught by a stranger on such a delicate issues
lol the 1950’s called. They’d like you to return.
my eyes are open and looking forward…not backward…
open your eyes
sexuality is just sexuality and being educated on it is basic. If the instructor is a good one, s/he will let students know all the aspects about sexuality
Sorry for my countryman everyone, in our defense Portugal lives on a different timeline where we are always 20 years behind. We’ll catch up, don’t worry
so do you really think it is better to have biased , uninformed children because of their biased, uninformed, bigoted parents ? What about LGTB children?
There are much worse places in Europe and elsewhere than Portugal … Most of Eastern Europe seems to be not 20 years behind but right away in the XIXth century
Sure.
Any dutch here who could corroborate this (better if by personal experience)?
Look up: “Sex education in the Netherlands” on Dutch Review
Sex Education is done by the parents, not the State
I’d say less than 5% of parents give their kids correct or any information on sex, even non conservative parents. It’s a serious personal and public health issue and also common knowledge, so obviously it should be part of basic education.
Ivana it’s not done by parents. At least by most parents. Also some parents might not be the right person to discuss issues such as consent, sexual identity, contraceptive options etc. We are not talking primary school here, but definitely in secondary. What if a parent thinks the right age is 18 but their child is already sexually active at 15? How can a child recognize and seek help to deal with sexual abuse, which might be happening within the family, if we don’t empower them through education? This information is vital and sensitive, and there is a right way of transmitting it, so we should leave it to someone who is trained to do it, just like we do with history, maths, languages etc. Also don’t forget while you may be lucky and have parents that have given you correct and timely information and you feel comfortable discussing sexuality with them, this does not go for everyone, and the educational system should cater for everyone equally because every child has an equal right to information and education. And this includes sexual education. Which I’d rather my child doesn’t learn from a friend, a cousin, or the internet, but from a trained professional.
Ideally, but what if it isn’t?
“We are not talking primary school here, but definitely in secondary.” – where does this come from? Have you ever read the WHO guidelines for SexEd? Apparently you didn’t – because according to WHO, this “education” would start at kindergarden. Just for the record ;)
I am against the State.
now everything is a ideological progressist matter. And I am against the new order
I am against the progressist leftist new order. I want freedom
the problem is what is the basic education. Education is infiltrated by the progressits.
I agree, education is progressist and for progress. What a nightmare!
you are a progressist or Marxist, I can tell. I am against that ideology. Progressits named themselves but they are against progress. Liars.Yes this is a nightmare for Libertarians.
You are correct, progress is the opposite of you, very good!
Sex is part of our biology so why not?
there is a time for everything so absolutely not ok with it at school,
expecially young childs,
it has to be done by parents at the right time, not the Gov.
Yes by parents or abusive uncles :)) so why don’t you teach them philosophy at home?
Abusive uncles, what ?
Thats another story. Abusing strangers.. better ?
Oh Please.
Excuse me ? do you know me and what i teach my child??? Nope.
it’s not done by parents. At least by most parents. Also some parents might not be the right person to discuss issues such as consent, sexual identity, contraceptive options etc. We are not talking primary school here, but definitely in secondary. What if a parent thinks the right age is 18 but their child is already sexually active at 15? How can a child recognize and seek help to deal with sexual abuse, which might be happening within the family, if we don’t empower them through education? This information is vital and sensitive, and there is a right way of transmitting it, so we should leave it to someone who is trained to do it, just like we do with history, maths, languages etc. Also don’t forget while you may be lucky and have parents that have given you correct and timely information and you feel comfortable discussing sexuality with them, this does not go for everyone, and the educational system should cater for everyone equally because every child has an equal right to information and education. And this includes sexual education. Which I’d rather my child doesn’t learn from a friend, a cousin, or the internet, but from a trained professional.
Its a delicate subject and no,
i do not like my child to learn about it from a
“ trained professional”
(says who?) Do they know every single child and their personality ? “ Surely not.
Do they know when is the right time, better than parents?
Dont think they care enough.
We obviously disagree.
why don’t you just give up you children to the State? Be a womb, not a parent!
you’re a fool. Sex education at school, protect and inform those whose parents are not as enlightened as you.
Very good response.
Well do you really think every adult knows how to talk about consent, LGTB issues, safe sex, sexual diseases etc ? Do you teach your children on every topic they must learn at school? Why should you on this particular one?
Thats still your opinion and i couldnt care less.
What if i do? Problems ?
it’s excelleny if you do, but not all the parents do, and that’s the main issue here :)
they are not meant to be teacher says who, you??
Alright.
parents will always teach their children something, because every human being learns from what surrounds them (and more if they’re 24/7 together). However, a structured education system in order to learn more complex things that are demanded in society is kind of different. And parents could do that but, honestly, how many parents can 1) have the job they want to do and do it well; 2) take care of their children; 3) have the time to teach their children as good as a teacher would do; 4) be mentally sane (I think this point has been a little neglected in the last…100 years). You showed a little suspicious about “instructed people” to teach these things, as if this subject cannot be learnt in a professional way (and it is part of biology and psychology curriculums, so yes, it is a professional field), but then I would like to ask you if you don’t trust as well other teachers such as maths/language/science teachers. All of them learn about their subjects and how to teach them to other people, and there are even university degrees focused on how to do this with children, so…I think it proves that a lot of people think it can be well taught to children.
Also, it is sex education, so it is part of education system and structures. You don’t teach a child about the different force interaction of atoms in their equivalent to science class. So for the same, you don’t talk to them directly about ITS, but there is an age-appropriate approach that can be done in order to make people more and more aware of the social and personal dimension of emotions and sex, so that they don’t come up one day and they have to face all those topics at the same time of living and experimenting them:
Look up: “Sex education in the Netherlands” on Dutch Review
None of your business if and who do i trust.
I decide when and how talk about certain things with my child.
Thats it.
You like it or not
Well if I put my child in the education system, I would like to trust those who are going to teach them. That’s why there are quality assessments of all teachers of all specialties, be them maths, technology, humanities or social sciences. That said, I may like or not your decision, that’s, as you said, not of my business. But if you are a parent you will have to think what is best for your child, all the things that they have to learn to be successful and functional in society, and I fear that knowing how to deal with these issues is also something that children will have to do as adults, and I would be grateful that experts that know about the topic more than myself (unless I’m one of those experts, which I’m not) are going to help me as parent in that task.
As an example, of the contrary, all life has been without this kind of education, and the result has been people that always had doubts during years about what they desire or what they can do, and more unfortunately, we’ve ended up with a sexist system that have pushed down all matters related to women, and I think this education can fix that.
I know exactly what is best for my child. Surely not being rushed on learning sexual education when is not the right time. And, talking about general education, Homeschool exist too for a reason.
For some it works perfectly fine.
You can call them “expert” they make mistakes like everybody else, the problem here is to rely everything on others because they are the expert but how much time they really put into knowing every singol kids and their own timing ??
Mostly likely none.
Some subject
are NOT a one fit ALL.
Wise words! You are a fantastic mother.
what a well mannered guy you are.
Hi are you interested in debate & discussion ? :)
It is a parent’s mandate to teach God’s word to their children which include the moral issues of our day!
Albania was one of country’s which was so isolated from this topic ,but after putting as pilot project in schools it gave result by children talking about HiV and other transmistory diseases they talked about contraception i think it should
It should be subject in school.
Had my first in 4th class (DE system) at age of 10, then at 6th (12) and 8th (14) … more deeply diggin into biochemistry in 12th class (age 18), before getting my Abitur/baccalaureat.
Well, now I’m an éducated biochemist with a Ph.D.
Apparently it didn’t harm me and I didin’t become something too awful ;-)
Besides: Non education is doing a lot of harm on this subject!
Why would you force liberal indoctrination on people? That is the same as saying that religious education has to be necessary.
Sex should be a private issue, but sex education should be as natural as writing, mathematics, etc.
How is this even up for debate? Of course it should be, it’s common sense.
Yes, but not things which are common sense. The small minority of people who object to sex education are never going to be convinced by researched evidence and logic because they take a ‘moral’ position on matters of sex, rather following a scientific or pragmatic approach.
I agree with you. Interesting Topic for me Is God, Science & History. Can we discuss? :-
unfortunately in some countries isn’t…
Why cucumbers? Size doesn’t matter. Take a carrot. Better message.
Actually, the countries who have this have a lower abortion rates, teen pregnancies etc which makes it a good thing.
and a large rate of erotized young children too.
in the age of internet and oblivious overly busy parents it’s either school or internet
so?
so if you or the school doesn’t answer some questions internet porn and their friends will in a way you won’t like in a manner that might destroy their health and bodies there life for ever
It depends on how and for what purposes. if it is for disease prevention, birth at a very young age I agree. Everything else comes naturally with age.
And what about the nature of consent? I think that is very important stuff for boys and girls alike.
you only do sex with consent. If it is not this way it is rape and for that you do not need school.
You’re trying to dissmiss the fact as obvious, but it is not. Puberty is a crucial age, and young people in that age should be educated to sex.
we wish that was the case but in reality the lines can be blurry. And in some cases boys even get taught that no can be interpreted as a yes…
Actually teaching about this can prevent rape.
yes it can but you know what they want get with this.
if you or school don’t teach your children what they mast be told internet, porn industry and their ” friends” will
In a manner that you won’t like
It’s your opinion. that’s how I grew up and I didn’t have any problem or trauma. I grew up talking to friends and talking to parents. in this situation the most important thing is learning from parents. They want to introduce a sexual agenda and learning into schools that I don’t want for my children. This toxic left agenda that negatively shapes children. If it is ok for you i respect. But for mine it’s not okay this must also be respected this is how domocracies work.
Man I don’t know how old you are but we are living in the internet age for decades
And internet has the tendency to spread information that’s wrong or teaching dangerous practices as “cool” like not using condom or removing it during the intercorce
Giving a good advice to children about issues that have to do with their health isn’t a bad idea considering the crap is flying around these days, it might even reduce the rate of abortions and STDs..
old school.
You just said it, you are not alone with one prospective in the community and you showed the other part prospective, so why you asking if you should mandate the different side of the community with your prospective, and what gives?
Was it always the case? If not (and it is not as matter of fact) then how did your ancestors manged to bring you without it?
Allow me to go briefly in history just to draw a line, sex wasn’t an open case before the invention of condom & Co., not saying there wasn’t places for such things with or without it, but it was limited in either those places for singles and in marriage society, while now it could happen anywhere and everywhere
While i won’t force my opinion over you and ask you to married if your instincts are tingling, but i also asking you not force me to accept the fact that my child are forced to adopt the reality as it is , is that too much to ask? Amd if you really want your child to be sex educated, and you just too lazy to educate him your way, and you really want school to take that job, so why compulsory? Why not an optional where you can force your child to take it while my child don’t have to bother too early
You want your child to have intercourse as soon as he is 18? I just don’t, and i have the right to raise him the way i believe it’s the right way
sex Ed is biology, not porn. it teaches what happens during puberty, periods, complications of periods, how babies are made, possible diseases, infections, protection, vaccines, consent. It doesn’t teach your kids to have sex at 18. It explains normal biological phenomenons that start at puberty. Some parents have no idea and cannot teach their children. Some children have questions they don’t want to ask their parents. For some people it is very taboo, and I don’t see why. If you want your kid to wait till marriage I don’t see how knowing about periods, contraception, diseases, pregnancy … is contradictory with your values.
Hopefully your kids are educated about laws at school as well. Does that mean they will go out and commit a crime as soon as they can?
Not much to replay to, but let’s start from the end
Those topic you mentioned, they should know them when they should know them, not before, not after, just like we did, and just like my parents did.. Etc, we still living without knowing them beforehand and they were perfectly function to raise 4 healthy children, so i don’t see the reason why should that change out of sudden. an American law as matter of fact says :” if it’s working, don’t fix it” maybe some says don’t change it or broke it, but you got the idea.
So no unlike wehat you assuming, not everything related to this topic will be giving in one lesson before marriage, however just what specifically related to marriage (intercource) is, any other topics that needs to be known earlier (property) would be teach at the right time, an from this point i don’t see why you arguing to be teach way too early
Going back further and from this point it doesn’t really matter wither you understand the “other” prospective or not, the more important thing is to respect it no matter what, underlying the difference between accepting and respecting hope you know the difference, especially when the “other” prospective is not to far from your own ancestors or parents one’s, however i didn’t explained why but i don’t think you get it, let’s just say i may not guarantee to raise a perfect guy, but i would try to avoid him from getting into such topic as far as i can,
Going further back, if a parents doesn’t have idea how to bring it to their children then thry simply got to be teach how they should do it , they adult enough and experienced enough all they need to know is how, so instead of someone stranger telling my child how very private things works, i can go to someone to teach me how to teach my own son about it, i did talked again about this point in my main comment so i won’t go further woth it
Last point which most of you arguing with like your strongest argument, “sex ed is biology” and i am not saying otherwise, but does a child know what biology is? Does he really care? We all went to school and we all have common things, like we can’t wait till the school day to be off amd the bail rings, and most of the time we used to wonder what goods does school gives. Sometimes we hated specifically having to do homework and stuff, so we really wasn’t into school, and as proof to my point you barely remembering your language courses from your school and those related to grammar, i came here to Germany and i did a quick unofficial survey (if i might say) and barely anyone really remember those Grammer course, pf course there is other courses with the same case but that is the common thing i can argue with and i did have as well, however that’s absolutely not the case with sex ed, and kids are adventurous, further more it would drive them away from the main thing /goal
You might not believe this and you might have other words, however we should respect each other opinion and respect the difference, because we both have the same brain but we both thing differently, i might fail using the right words to deliver the idea as it should but if it wasn’t legitimate, i wouldn’t even thought about
Cheers
Martyn
Good comment
However let’s face it, children are the most pure (allow me to call them race) race, that’s why we can’t argue about loving them irrelevant who they are, what skin they have.. Etc, they are just adorable
However while we raise them we start to teach them hate in way or another, not just hate but also we learn the how to fear, and as Yoda once said “Fear is the path to the dark side…fear leads to anger… anger leads to hate… hate leads to suffering”, i think it’s not hard for you to spot where the crimes comes from the previous quotation i just gave
So i can say you actually stronger my argument from the same point you thought you broke it. For that thank you
P.S: they shouldn’t fear the law, they just need to respect it, the same why they should respect other opinion and not just settle down to one voice community
you cannot to educate child in your way. Some people don’t know things.
Boris who don’t know something, need to be educated so simply as that, somethings dear boris is sensitive and need to addressed in special way
An no i surly can, i am not addressing new innovative in education, it’s always been this way, it’s you who can’t educate childrrn this way
Cheers
the parents and religious organisations aren’t the problem. we did this class but no one was interested and so only a few of the students ended up having knowledge of these stuff even after the test because high school isn’t an age that is mentally mature enough to care
Comprehensive sex education and after school programs for dealing with drug use.
Sex education should be definitely compulsory for some, in cases where self education in sex is missing.