There’s been a flurry of controversy in print, radio and social media about the newly revised Ontario Sex Education Curriculum, due to start in Ontario’s elementary schools this fall.
It’s complicated. Talking about the birds and the bees is probably one of the toughest topics for parents to tackle with their children. When we were kids we didn’t have the World Wide Web, cell phones and Facebook. Sexting (sending explicit sexual images or messages electronically), date rape drugs, reality TV and online social networks were non-existent. There is no question that the primary ‘teacher’ of sexual and social values should be parents—but what is their level of competence and comfort?
I recall my Mom sitting down with my sister Carol and me for our talk about menstruation and how babies are made – Mom was equipped with the handy Kotex booklet and a sanitary belt. She did a great job. Later that evening my Dad asked Carol and I to come into the living room for a chat—“Did we have any questions we’d like to ask?” Are you kidding??? I know this sounds like a page from Leave It To Beaver, but this open and frank discussion set the stage for ongoing communication. But let’s face it—it’s tough to raise children in today’s society which is multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-gendered, multi-networked and LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgendered, questioning). Accurate and reliable information is more vital than ever if children are ‘to become informed, productive, caring, responsible, healthy and active citizens in their communities’. (The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1-8 – preface).
Many parents believe that this program is pushing the curriculum too fast. That it is taking away the innocence of childhood and does not support family values. As a Registered Nurse I believe that health is a whole person experience—it is holistic in nature and addresses the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, religious and sexual needs of a person. These essentials help to develop a person’s self-esteem which is the foundation for healthy growth and development. A positive self-esteem helps a child:
- to feel good about who they are,
- to understand and solve problems,
- to say NO or YES as appropriate,
- to trust they are a person of worth,
- to not be a follower,
- to not succumb to peer pressure, and
- to be free to develop their personal beliefs and values.
The sex education curriculum provides timely information that most students would have already gleaned from the internet or TV, but at least all students will receive the same accurate information, at the same time, by caring and knowledgeable teachers. Kids are then able to go home and discuss the material with their parents. Some schools offer workshops for parents so they have an understanding of the content and teacher prompts which help to bring the lessons to life. Parents do have the right to have their children opt out of any class.
Summary of the sex education topics by grade level:
| Grade | Topics |
| One | · Names of body parts |
| Two | · Stages of growth and development |
| Three | · Healthy family relationships – i.e. children raised by a single parent, grandparents, guardian, 2 mothers, 2 fathers or in a traditional family setting· Showing respect for individuals |
| Four | · Safe use of technology· Bullying and abuse
· Puberty |
| Five | · Bullying and violence· Menstruation and spermatogenesis – emotional and interpersonal changes |
| Six | · Development of self-concept· Sexual orientation
· Homophobia · Masturbation · Racism and discrimination |
| Seven | · Dangers of technology – i.e. sexting· Delaying sexual activity
· Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) · Pregnancy prevention – contraception · Consent · Moral and ethical considerations |
| Eight | · Sexual assault and dating violence· Decisions about sexual activity
· Gender identity and sexual orientation · Self-concept · Consent at every stage · Setting personal limits |
Check out the new curriculum and Parent’s Guide at: www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng
To LEAVE a COMMENT please click at the top right corner of this blog.
I apologize if you signed up to receive my blogs and didn’t get them. The function has now been repaired and it would be great if you could take the time to do it once again. Thanks – Sue