PSB: Sex education in schools is turning 50 and is now made more difficult by the pandemic
Vienna (OTS) – The Sexual Education Platform celebrates the 50th anniversary of sex education as a teaching principle. On November 24, 1970, the Federal Ministry for Education and the Arts published the decree “Sex Education in Schools” (circular no. 193/1970). For the first time, schools were explicitly commissioned to make sexuality a holistic topic, and not just to convey biological knowledge. The board of the Sex education platform however, is also concerned. “Under the current restrictions, the right of young people to sexual education is not being properly fulfilled. The majority of young people could fall over to an area of education that is central to their development. “Elif Gül, board member of the Sexual Education Platform.
Even during the pandemic, all children and adolescents have the right to knowledge and information about sexuality, as well as protection from sexual violence and discrimination (cf. Sexual and Reproductive Human Rights, IPPF 1994 and 2008).
Many sex education associations have adapted to the new situation and are already offering online solutions with interactive tools that can be used instead of face-to-face workshops.
“Sexual education plays an essential role in preventing sexualised violence. The better children and adolescents know, the sooner they can recognize and name border violations and get help. Sex education imparts basic knowledge in order to be able to assess situations and to perceive and communicate one’s own needs and limits ”. Stefanie Rappersberger, Board member of the Sexual Education Platform.
Sex education in schools is intended to promote the development of competencies that are necessary to deal responsibly and independently with oneself and others. But although this request has been in place for 50 years, sex education does not take place as comprehensively as would be necessary to accompany the sexual development appropriately adapted to the respective age. Therefore, in addition to teacher training, the resources for the work of external sex educators in schools must also be expanded. There is a need for and interest from schools, but there is a lack of financial resources. Since the introduction of the teaching principle, numerous sex education associations and specialist offices have been founded that have built up expertise and do important work. These need to be recognized and developed further – this requires funding.
The last few years have shown that it is important to expand sex education work: Schools need advice, internal training and support in the development of sex education and violence prevention concepts.
The increasing professionalization of sexual education makes essential contributions to personal development, health education, protection against discrimination, and prevention of violence, and thus contributes significantly to safeguarding children’s rights. You should finally get the resources that are necessary to implement the basic decree in all schools accordingly.
Inquiries & contact:
Elif Gül, MSc
Sex education platform
06602190759
platform@sexuellebildung.at
sexuellebildung.at
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