Workshop 4: The role of parents, school and
other organizations in the sexual education
Chair: S. Jones (Rep. of Ireland) & D. Lazaris (Greece)
Schools.
Sex education is not uniform throughout Europe. It is new in
some countries (Ireland, Baltic States), more established in a country like the
French speaking part of Switzerland. The influence of church inhibits sex
education in countries like Poland and Lithuania. New immigrant people can have
special needs and may need ways of involving them in the sex education system.
Parents.
Parents need more advice and support in giving sex education to
their children according to their age and needs. More resource materials needed
– websites, DVD’s, leaflets and meetings may be of use.In Switzerland where
there has been sex education for some time, parents may feel more comfortable
talking to their children.
Other organisations.
Family planning organisations support sex education programmes
in many countries.
Resources – meetings and training of health personnel.
Youth groups – ‘Youth to Youth’ education schemes.
Media – Websites – Radio – TV may be of help.
Recommendations.
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Better organized sex education in schools.
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Delivered by trained teachers
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To stand alone as a subject – not part of biology or
religion classes.
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Where sex education is not in a country – Parents and
politicians should be influenced to change the situation to a more liberal
system.
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Parents need to be empowered, to be able to promote sex
education at home.
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Countries should be able to exchange ideas and resource
materials to help each other to promote sex education
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Through the co-operation of international organisations such
as ESC.