Culturally sensitive sexuality education
In Finland, sexuality education is part of the school’s curriculum and provided to all children and young people regardless of their cultures.
All cultures have mutually shared conceptions, norms and rules about human sexuality. Culturally sensitive sexuality education is appropriate for all children and young people.
Appropriate sexuality education allows children to learn to respect themselves and their bodies as well as to protect themselves against unwanted sexual acts. They also provide information about changes occurring during puberty, for instance. Sex education never involves teaching sex or engaging in sexual activities.
Comprehensive sex education
According to the WHO, comprehensive sexuality education teaches both factual information as well as attitudes and skills related to the different aspects of sexuality with respect to the child’s age level.
The areas of sex education determined by the WHO include:
- Body and development
- Intimacy and self-esteem
- Emotions
- Diversity
- Welfare and health
- Reproduction
- Norms and habits
- Rights
Openness is the starting point for sexuality education
When planning teaching contents, sexuality educators should be aware of the special features of their own culture as well as the cultures of those participating in instructions. Even the Finnish culture is not homogeneous in terms of its values and customs.
Some cultures may carefully regulate the discussion on sexuality and Finnish sexuality education may seem strange due to its openness on the matter. Open dialogue promotes encounters between cultures.
Families should be informed about sexuality education in advance
- What does sexuality education concern?
- Which topics will be discussed?
Moving to a new homeland may increase the family’s need to strengthen traditional habits. Depending on culture and each family’s customs, issues related to sexuality may be something that individuals may decide for themselves or a matter that the family or community makes decisions on.
Sexual rights as part of human rights. Each individual must have control over their body, sexuality and reproduction.
