Examines varying approaches to sexual education across European countries, highlighting controversies and implementation levels.
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Sexual education in Polish schools has been controversial for years, leading to protests when a health education subject was introduced this year despite expert positive reviews, sparking social opposition particularly from right-wing and Church circles. In Poland, students can attend health education starting from fourth grade; it is non-compulsory, carries no grades, and previously was called “Upbringing in the Family,” which only covered sexual education minimally and was outdated. The new program covers topics like physical activity, healthy eating, relationship building, environmental care, conscious health decisions, stress management, and resisting online disinformation, including elements of sexual education such as understanding puberty and setting boundaries in intimate contacts—these latter points caused significant political and social debate. Initially intended to be mandatory, the subject became voluntary following nationwide protests. Consequently, many parents withdrew their children; for example, 86% of upper secondary students in Warsaw opted out, while participation rates vary across different cities. The Minister of Education defended the course against claims of failure, stating that non-compulsory subjects like math and physics are also optional, and blamed the Church and right-wing politicians for the subject’s voluntary status. Critics often based their opposition on populism, fearing “sexualization” or the introduction of gender ideology. Conversely, experts argue that sexual education protects against violence, manipulation, diseases, shame, loneliness, and disinformation. The Minister announced an evaluation at the end of the year, with a possibility of making the subject mandatory then.
In comparison, Croatia has not implemented comprehensive national sexual education; 80% of youth learn about it online. Sexual education is taught within a general “Health” subject, often only for one hour per school year, prompting NGOs to campaign for more thorough programs covering consent and gender stereotypes. Some cities in Croatia are piloting or developing curricula that include mental health, healthy lifestyles, addiction prevention, and sexual/reproductive health. In Austria, sexual education is integrated into the curriculum from primary school as part of “health and physical activity,” viewed as a lifelong process where parents play a key role alongside schools. Despite this integration, reports show gaps in knowledge among youth regarding sexual and reproductive health, with many wishing for more comprehensive coverage.
In France, mandatory sexual education has been in place since 2001 but was poorly implemented until the current school year, when all children began attending required classes covering biological, psycho-emotional, and legal/social aspects. This curriculum addresses topics like gender equality and consent, despite opposition from conservative groups. Lithuania is among the few European countries without formal mandatory emotional or sexual education programs; a “life skills” subject includes these elements but remains fragmented and irregular in practice, leading students to feel ignored. Romania also lacks mandatory sexual education, with the topic being covered only as part of an optional health course where parental consent is required, resulting in low participation.
