Sex education in schools: what the authorities say and what citizens think (VOX)
Sex education is not yet a subject of study in Moldovan schools, but it continues to be a topic discussed by both teachers and parents. Asked by our reporter how appropriate it would be to introduce it into the curriculum, the minister in charge, Anatolie Topala said that elements of sex education are contained in other subjects.
Education Minister Anatolie Topala said there was currently no need to introduce a new subject that would explain to pupils what sex education means. "The subject of biology contains information and everything necessary for children to know what they need to develop. Not necessarily every subject has to be separate and compulsory. Through different optional subjects we strive to ensure as much diversity as possible for students," said Anatolie Topala.
On the other hand, psychologist and university professor Dan Simion argues that sex education is beneficial for all educational institutions, and introducing it as a subject would contribute to better informing the younger generation. "The introduction of the subject of sex education is beneficial for all institutions. Many advantages, self-knowledge, towards the other, can perceive intimate relationships as normal," explained the psychologist.
Students argue that society should be aware of the importance of sex education to avoid some unpleasant situations. "In high school or middle school it came up to preaching, but it wasn't taught anymore because all the teachers or parents were against it, so they realize that this is an important thing for children. There are things they should know and they don't realize that they are diseases, that they need protection." "Children need to learn from a very young age, to know how to protect themselves." "A lot of children get to an age and make a lot of mistakes because they don't have that education."
Parents also want sex education to be taught to children by qualified and knowledgeable teachers.
"Children need to know. It would be good if specialists could deal with sex education for children." "It's welcome, only if the teacher is trained." "I think it would be good to talk in school so that children are informed." "Very welcome, for the child to understand things they find out in the street, from friends, from the internet".
According to a report by iData, this year the initiative is supported more in urban than rural areas. Also, more women (45.5%) agree with the introduction of "sex education" in the list of school subjects than men (39%).
