NEW STUDY LAUNCHED ON SEXUALITY EDUCATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN 26 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) European Network, in collaboration with the Lund University, Sweden and the WHO Regional Office for Europe, and with financial support from the European Commission, has issued a new study on sexuality education in Europe, arguing that accurate and scientifically validated information for young people about the prevention of disease and unwanted pregnancy enables them to make informed choices and protect their health, but does not hasten the onset of sexual activity.

Sexuality education in Europe - A reference guide to policies and practices describes the partners' joint research in 26 countries in the WHO European Region and maps the main trends in sexuality education. "The study is a powerful tool to learn from European experiences and will assist policy-makers to develop effective policies and practices related to sexuality education," said Dr Marc Danzon, WHO Regional Director for Europe. "Governments can use this to craft the best approaches to sexuality education in their diverse cultural, social and political settings."

The review of collected data illustrates that very few countries show complete acceptance of sexuality education across all groups, and political context still exerts a strong influence. In countries such as Denmark and the Netherlands, sexuality education is widely accepted and supported, while objections are forcefully made in countries such as the Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland and Poland.

Religious groups are increasingly involved in educating young people about sexuality. Although strong religious pressure is causing uneven distribution of sexuality education in many schools in the Region, the involvement of religious organizations - such as the Orthodox Church in Greece - is becoming common.

Media's leading role in young people's sexual and reproductive health

The publication stresses that the mass media can play an important role in sexuality education. Their stance varies greatly across countries. In some, mainly in Scandinavia, the media are largely supportive and informative on sexual matters. In Denmark, national broadcasting companies have freely donated air time to sexuality education. In other countries, such as the United Kingdom, sexual issues are treated more sensationally, with adverse effects on sexuality education. Moreover, the study concludes that those making policy on and providing sexuality education need more proactively to engage with the media in conveying the need for such education and its benefits to young people's health and well-being.

Comprehensive approach needed for effectiveness

While sexuality education has been successfully introduced into the school curriculum and achieving a favourable national climate is necessary, they are not sufficient to guarantee continued progress. "What is required is a comprehensive approach, where sexuality education programmes are seen not in isolation but as important components in broader initiatives to improve the health and well-being of young people," says Ms Vicky Claeys, Regional Director of the IPPF European Network.

"Sex and relationships education is not just about school-based programmes. It should be grounded in broad-based learning that builds on a wide range of life skills. It begins informally at an early stage with parents and carers, and should continue into adulthood both within the home and at all stages of life," notes Dr Gunta Lazdane, Regional Adviser, Reproductive Health and Research at the WHO Regional Office for Europe. "Sexuality education is not just about providing information. It helps young people develop values, attitudes and skills so that they can make appropriate choices about their sexual behaviour. Having respect for oneself and others, making considered choices about sexual activity and acquiring emotional intelligence are key learning outcomes."

Further information is available on the Internet about IPPF European Network (http://www.ippfen.org/site.html) and the Regional Office's work for young people's reproductive and sexual health (http://www.euro.who.int/reproductivehealth).

(13/12/06)