DID YOU KNOW?

DID YOU KNOW?

The Netherlands are the world leaders in sex and relationship education. Starting at the kindergarten level, children explore topics like gender stereotypes. Five-year-olds discuss hugging, kissing, and getting married. Older children learn about crushes and can explain what it feels like to fall in love (“You become shy,” says a girl. “Nervousness, you blush"). Teachers also teach their students what to do when you fall out of love: for example, don’t text or send a friend to break up for you; do it in person and be kind.

The Dutch approach is using ground-breaking methods, teaching subjects like love, respect, intimacy and common decency. These lessons are built on the belief that sex education should be taken seriously by parents and teachers. In comparison, Canadian students have very limited knowledge and are far behind the Dutch.