Young expert advocates for comprehensive sex education due to lack of info and risks among adolescents across Europe.
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Ana Niculescu, a 24-year-old medical student who conducts sexual education workshops for adolescents, argues that teenagers need information to protect themselves because they are sexually active. She observes issues like lack of HPV vaccination and Pap smears among women she treats at the university hospital. Niculescu emphasizes that sexuality encompasses much more than just sex and should be taught early in life. In Romania, where sexual education is limited or absent in schools, adolescents often seek information online, leading them to pornography instead of reliable sources. This lack of open discussion is partly attributed to societal taboos perpetuated by parents. To encourage participation, Niculescu uses anonymous question submission during her workshops. The problem extends beyond Romania; studies show high rates of internet-based sexual education in Croatia due to its absence from the curriculum. While some cities in Croatia are piloting sexual education, advocates push for a comprehensive approach covering gender equality and consent. In contrast, Austria integrates sexual education into primary school subjects like health and movement, taught by qualified professionals, though many young people still desire more knowledge.
