Student concerns highlight gaps in comprehensive sex education across Europe, contrasting with progressive models.
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In Lithuania, discussions around sex education often face resistance, including ridicule or aggressive reactions from local authorities and school administrations when proposals to improve sexual education are made. Students feel that topics like sexual orientation and intimate life should be equally important and taught to all students regardless of gender. They argue that an open and consistent sexual education system is more beneficial than hiding these topics, as misinformation is prevalent online. The Ministry of Education, Science, and Sport states that its general life skills program includes social and emotional development, which incorporates sexuality. This curriculum covers topics from body changes and contraception in earlier grades to sexual health, long-term relationship planning, and sexually transmitted diseases in later grades. However, students report that sex education is often superficial, infrequent, or absent in many schools. Internationally, similar issues exist; in Croatia, over 80% of youth learn about sexuality online due to a lack of comprehensive school programs. In contrast, countries like Austria and France have integrated sexual and emotional education into their curricula, though challenges remain regarding the depth and consistency of the teaching.
