Sex education implementation varies across Europe, facing cultural resistance and political shifts.
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Comprehensive sex education is deemed vital by the World Health Organisation for preparing young people for a safe and fulfilling life, addressing risks like HIV, STIs, unintended pregnancies, gender-based violence, and inequality. Despite its importance, sex and relationship education is not universally part of the school curriculum across Europe, facing resistance, which is exacerbated by conservative trends in the continent and the United States. While France made sex education compulsory in 2001, implementation has been poor, though affective, relational, and sexual education (EVARS) is now integral to the curriculum from the 2025-26 school year. Educators like Didier Valentin are shifting focus from purely hygienic prevention to addressing gender issues, consent, and sexual violence. Furthermore, experts emphasize that the culture of consent must begin at home with parents and caregivers. Although the EU supports international recommendations, education remains a member state responsibility, leading to varied approaches; some countries like Sweden and Finland integrate it into compulsory education, while others face restrictions or lack comprehensive programs, such as Italy, Lithuania, and Romania, where debates and parental consent requirements complicate its delivery.
