Some possibilities and problems in sexual education programs
in different European countries
Krzysztof Sieja,
Department of Menopause and Andropause, Pomeranian Medical
University in Szczecin
Sexual education is considered to be one of the most difficult
educational problems in children and adolescents. Analyzing reports on sexual
education it can be stated that in different European countries various sexual
education programs are functioning. The presented report is an attempt to
compare approaches to sexual education in different countries.
The questionnaire results pointed out that the role of the
teachers and form tutors in sexual education in Poland is far too low. In Poland
only one-third young adult showed the school as the basic reliable source of
sexual education. The media are the general educational sources.
A question arises: had sexual education in schools resulted in
later sexual debut? The results of studies should be cautiously interpreted
since the change in sexual knowledge and practices with the time passage may
have been caused by factors other than sexual education. This education may
increase knowledge but may not effectively change behavior.
It may be stated that sexual models in countries of Northern
Europe are more liberal while in Southern Europe ones are more restrictive. In
many programs it can be stated „mixed” or „borderline” models of sexual
education. Polish model of sexual education is more similar to the model
existing in Southern European countries. The said model is primarily connected
with preparing for the future marital and familial roles. In this type of sexual
education the parenthood is recognized as being main value and the goal of human
life.
Key words: programs of sexual education, contraception, sexual
behavior, sexual initiation, sexual activity, adolescents, parenthood, family.