Some possibilities and problems in sexual education programs in different European countries

Krzysztof Sieja,

Department of Menopause and Andropause, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin

Sexual education is considered to be one of the most difficult educational problems in children and adolescents. Analyzing reports on sexual education it can be stated that in different European countries various sexual education programs are functioning. The presented report is an attempt to compare approaches to sexual education in different countries.

The questionnaire results pointed out that the role of the teachers and form tutors in sexual education in Poland is far too low. In Poland only one-third young adult showed the school as the basic reliable source of sexual education. The media are the general educational sources.

A question arises: had sexual education in schools resulted in later sexual debut? The results of studies should be cautiously interpreted since the change in sexual knowledge and practices with the time passage may have been caused by factors other than sexual education. This education may increase knowledge but may not effectively change behavior.

It may be stated that sexual models in countries of Northern Europe are more liberal while in Southern Europe ones are more restrictive. In many programs it can be stated „mixed” or „borderline” models of sexual education. Polish model of sexual education is more similar to the model existing in Southern European countries. The said model is primarily connected with preparing for the future marital and familial roles. In this type of sexual education the parenthood is recognized as being main value and the goal of human life.

Key words: programs of sexual education, contraception, sexual behavior, sexual initiation, sexual activity, adolescents, parenthood, family.