In brief
Starting in September, students will receive education on sex, consent, and gender issues.
Starting this September, students in France will finally receive formal sex education, a long-overdue initiative that has sparked debate across the country. It has been nearly 25 years since the French government legislated a requirement for sex education in schools, yet no structured curriculum was developed until now. The newly approved program promises to address critical topics including sex, consent, and gender norms. Education Minister Elisabeth Borne emphasized the necessity of the program, while the country grapples with alarming statistics indicating that a child is sexually abused every three minutes, primarily by family members. Despite resistance from conservative factions decrying the curriculum as ideological and harmful, advocates believe it is crucial for children's education and safety. Activists, including Sarah Durocher from Le Planning Familial, expressed relief at this development but highlighted ongoing legal challenges against the government for its previous inaction. Teaching materials and training for educators are set to be rolled out, marking a significant step forward in French education policy.
