Whatever World Contraception Day actually tells us about sex education lessons in schools is really different from what the opponents put forward. On World Contraception Day, it is good to reflect on that.
These perfectly clear cases, by the way, are fodder for discussion, fierce debates and even cause for protests. In other cases, they have led to the restriction of freedoms, through adapted or tightened legislation. The question is to what extent this has led to an improvement in the physical and/or mental health of the persons concerned. Consider, for example, situations where there was a medical problem or a vice case. In addition, certain legislation simply goes against an important principle and that is the right to self-determination.
Your Life
The Netherlands
Wait, also in the Netherlands?
That’s right, also in the Netherlands. The coalition programme presented in September (“Regeerprogramma“) describes the following in the section on education:
We expect teachers to work with teaching methods that are proven effective from science and practice and are otherwise politically neutral. In addition, we are committed to neutral and age-appropriate goals in both primary and secondary education, for example when it comes to relational and sex education. We promote the quality and effective use of tests.
Relational and sex education thus includes what can be described as sex education. So that also includes the use of contraception.
In recent years, it has been mainly the radical right and conservative political parties that have vehemently opposed the way schools have covered these issues. In particular, the Week of Spring Fling was given a hard time. In this, it was mostly no longer about the truth. With that in mind, this section was included in the Reigns programme. With the idea that children should be given some form of “protection” against everything that is “woke” and belongs to the LGBTQIA+ community. The latter is striking, by the way, because in that same section on education, there are all kinds of nice plans on how LGBTQIA+ people should be protected. It seems that it is allowed, just not too much. There is also a sentiment at play. Namely the idea that hatred towards LGBTQIA+ people comes mainly from one side in society. This would come from extreme religious quarters, basically Islam. Nowhere does it mention its claims, statements and condemnations of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Not the only country
As said, the Netherlands isn’t the only country in the world where people want to “protect children.” In other countries, they go much further. Central are certain “core values” and contraception is certainly not one of them. Nor, for that matter, does sex education.
Sex education is crucial for young people’s development. It provides them with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about their sexual health and relationships. Good education helps prevent unwanted (teenage) pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It also promotes respectful and healthy relationships.
