Sex education, at its very core, is about promoting pleasure and safer sex practices for all. However, the existence and quality of comprehensive sex education are primarily dependent on the distinct cultural, religious, and social values around the world. In the U.S., after substantial research disproved the idea that abstinence-only sex education effectively prevents pre-marital sex, Obama’s administration budgeted more funds for comprehensive programs. This shift in the importance of comprehensive sex education–even though moving slowly–has opened doors for the school curricula to identify the crucial role of providing sexual and pleasure-based information to students.
Nonetheless, as we glance at the world through the sex-ed lens, we come across a rather disappointing yet grave conclusion–Sexuality education still requires a lot of attention in terms of cultural-specific research, sex-positive parenting, and overall government support. Understanding the present state of sex education is an important element in considering appropriate interventions and forming sex-positive discourse. So let’s take a brief tour to see how sex education is explored in just some of the cultural hubs of our world.
Brazil
Brazil has a long political history of protesting against sexuality and gender education. Providing sex education to adolescents, primarily in conservative groups, is deemed a form of indoctrination. In 2020, the Supreme Court did rule out eight laws banning sex education as it violated the rights to education and equality. Having said that, there is a need for better instructions on sexuality and gender that are not restricted to physiology and anatomy.
India
Before 2007, there was no concept of sex education in India as sex was (and still is) heavily frowned upon. Unsurprisingly the idea of a sex-ed curriculum was met with opposition from both parents and political leaders. Fast forward to 2018, Prime Minister Modi’s government made it compulsory for schools to educate about teenage health, although called a “health and wellness curriculum.” The belief is by not putting “sex” in the name of the program, there was little to no resistance. However, there is no comprehensive and coherent structure of such programs as no one tracks the process and altogether it was at best a superficial attempt. Interestingly, social media has become a prominent space for discussing sex in India. It has created much-needed room for the youth to explore credible sexual health knowledge with popular educators like Leeza Mangaldas.
Argentina
Since 2006, schools in Argentina are required to provide comprehensive sex education classes to create a more responsible and healthy approach toward sexuality. The curriculum includes gender identity, sexual health, sexual violence, and relationships. However, schools in more traditional areas of the country still ignore this law and promote censorship around sexuality themes. Due to this, young activists are taking charge and forming sexuality, reproductive health, and right-to-abortion workshops to create a more informed community.
China
In traditionally cultured China, sex education has always been a controversial topic of discussion. It wasn’t until just recently, in 2021, that China took a landmark step in the right direction for comprehensive education. At this time, a set of minor protection policies was officially added to Chinese Law. Sex educators at the same time have to responsibly inform that sex education is more than just preventing sexual harassment as the law was the product of the increased sexual violence against minors. A 2022 study further dictates that there are several gender differences in how sex education is provided in China. Boys seem to be considered less important than girls in gaining sexual health knowledge.
Sweden
Being the first nation to officially mandate sex education in school curricula, Sweden has only evolved in its advocacy for sexual health and pleasure guidance since the 1950s. Since 2011, sex education has taken a more extensive structure in informing students about biological responses to sex, bodily awareness, love, and long-term relationships. More so, in 2022 the Swedish Education Agency added new reforms–including the effects of porn–to the sex-ed programs to take a more holistic approach towards sexuality and consent.
It seems quite evident that sex education is slowly but surely becoming a mandatory part of the curricula across the world. However, it goes without saying that more comprehensive, uniform, pleasure-focused, and LGBTQIA+ inclusive sex education programs are needed to promote overall well-being.
Written by Shreya Tomar.