Lithuania is adopting a new sex education and family life school programme. However, the proposed changes have been subjected to much criticism and rumours, with concerned parents claiming it will encourage sex change or early sexual life.
Parents of schoolchildren are spreading claims that children will not be taught about creating a family, that their education will revolve around learning of contraception, and that sex change will be encouraged. There are also rumours that terms ‘boy’ and ‘girl’ will be forbidden.
Adopted in 2016, the Health, Sex and Family Life Education Programme will be changed to the Social, Emotional, Health Education and Safety Programme. How will it affect the school curriculum?
The old programme outdated
Shool programmes are changed every 10 years, and that the one in question – Health, Sex and Family Life Education Programme (SLURŠ) – has been neglected in the regular curriculum, according to Irena Raudienė, from the education department at the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport.
A new subject may be introduced following this change.
Raudienė details that the schools were left to themselves to implement the current SLURŠ programme. Because of this, it has been poorly received and considered ineffective. Teachers were subsequently asked to fit the topics of the programme into other subjects, which few could manage.
The programme is being changed not because of some political agenda, Raudienė added.
It will not only be about sex education, but also will teach life skills, covering such topics as emotional wellbeing and addiction prevention.
Raudienė also wanted to dispel rumours that the new programme will not cover the physical differences between sexes, and the ethical and psychological issues related.
The terms ‘boy’ and ‘girl’ will remain as well.
“This isn’t directly addressed during earlier grades, but truly, a boy and a girl should know their differences, and learn about their bodies during primary school. Starting with grade 7, topics related to personal hygiene, pubescence, and other changes are covered.” said Raudienė.
Another rumour was that the programme will only cover contraception. However, according to Raudienė, topics taught will include taking responsibility for one‘s actions, being aware of toxic relationships, as well as ways to build a strong personality – moral issues that, until this point, have only been touched upon during Ethics or Religious Education.
What will be taught about family and sexual life?
According to Natalija Fatkulina, one of the organisers of both the current and the new curriculum, the new programme will not differ as much from the previous one as is rumoured. According to her, all competences and material from the previous programme will remain.
Fatkulina also reassured that the curriculum will include discussions on family life, rules and roles involved.
“A lot of focus will be put on forming values, emotional development, healthy living, first aid instruction. It will not only tell what’s healthy and what’s not, but also tell why it is so,” she added.
The new programme will also be structured in such a way that topics of sexual education will be taught depending on age. Contraception, for example, would only be discussed with older pupils.
Fuelled by Istanbul Convention controversy
Daiva Šukytė, who was also in charge of preparing the programme, claims that there is a need for schools to teach social and emotional skills, which is what the new programme is based on.
The change has been surrounded by as many rumours and myths as the Istanbul Convention, she added. Among other negative feedback, parents are upset that primary schools do not teach children about sex differences and gender roles anymore, according to Šukytė.
However, such things should be taught at home, Šukytė said.
“We are forming critical thinking, so that the child would know how to use the skills gained, evaluate various critical situations and risks, and choose wisely.” explains Šukytė.
The new programme also will not encourage sex change, as was long rumoured.
The new school programme will not cover just contraception, nor will encourage early sexual life. The terms ‘boy’ and ‘girl’ will still be used, and pupils will still be taught of family life.
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